SLAV PEOPLE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 133, 8 June 1942, Page 6

SLAV PEOPLE

TRIBUTE TO GUERILLA ARMX--~ A representative function in honour of the heroic Yugoslav guerilla army led by General Draza Mihauovich was held on Saturday night in the Yugoslav Club in Auckland. Mr. Jack Raos, president of the Slavonic Council of New Zealand, was in the chair. On behalf of his Government. Mr. J. M. Totieh thanked the gathering for the honour of Yugoslav heroes. Telegrams of solidarity were read by Mr. Y. Dean from Messrs. F. J. Hyams ;jnd Professor K. A. Wodzicki, Czechoslovak and Polish Consuls in Wellington; Mr. R. M. Algie, Czechoslovak Consul in Auckland, ana a message from Mr. A. Lissienko on behalf of Russia. Speakers pointed to the strategic importance of Mihailovich's guerilla army. Over 100.000 disciplined soldiers, and another 10,000 workers, intellectuals and peasants, were conducting a regular war and guerilla sabotage wh'.ch had delayed Hitler's attack upon Russia by about three months, prevented the Axis march through Turkey to the Caucasus, and was barring Hitler's drive to the Suez and the oil wells of the Middle Fast. The following telegram was sent to General Mihailovich: "All Slavs, the Russians, Yugoslavs. Czechoslovaks and Poles, in a united gathering, wish victory to your battle for the freedom and unity of all Slavs. We stand behind vou, morally and materially, in the war against world Fascism." .It was also decided to send a telegram containing an assurance of solidarity to the All-Slavonic Congress in Moscow. Wholehearted support 'for New Zealand's war efforts was enthusiastically acclaimed. A substantial collection for Mihailovich's forces was made. Slavonic songs and anthems were sung during the evening.