XMAS MESSAGE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 302, 21 December 1943, Page 4

XMAS MESSAGE

WAR NOT YET WON MR. FRASER'S APPEAL , P A ) WELLINGTON, this day. Tn a Christmas message to the peo le of New Zealand published in SS official Labour newspaper the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser says those in any section of people who Sefr oZ demands recklessely and met with firm resistance fiom tne SftlSiS war conferences m ««. Mr. Fraser us all without encouraging the foolishness of complacency. Paving a tribute to the achievements of New Zealand's fighting forces and the forces of the Empire and its Allies in all theatres, Mr. Fraser savs 1943 has been a memorable year "in the progress of the war. The tide of conflict has turned m favour of the United Nations Italy has been knocked out as a belligerent Germany is experiencing such blows as the Nazis never contemo ated Japan is clearly anxious the magnitude of its hope less attempt to subjugate the multitudinous races in the Far East ami loot the wealth of the Orient Let us enter the new year with grateful, but not foolish or blind optimism. Each month of the past year has added proof or the certamity ot victory for the United Nations, but it is riot just round the corner.

Victory Not Yet At Hand The victory which was essential if mankind was to be-saved, he said, would take a considerable time yet. It would involve much suffering, bloodshed, sacrifice and endurance. "We must steel ourselves for the further struggle, which may extend over several years. I fervently pray it won't. I hope the most airy optimists are right, and a speedier end than I can see at the moment will come to hostilities. Therefore I hope, as we all earnestly hope, that next Christmas Day will dawn on a world at peace, but if not we must still fight on and on until the world is freed from the Nazi and Fascist tyrants, and the tyranny which threatened to overwhelm mankind." "This Dominion," "he adds, "will continue to give its best in every way to win the war and gain security.for our people. As Prime Minister I take this opportunity to record my gratitude for the support our war effort in its many phases has been given by all sections of the community. That loyal support must continue if we are to give our utmost contribution in achieving victory. The immediate, and sometimes selfish, interests of this and that, section must be subordinated to the interests of our war effort, which carries with it not only the highest good for all our people but hope for the world."