N.Z. TROOPS IN GREECE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23299, 8 April 1941, Page 8

N.Z. TROOPS IN GREECE

PART OF IMPERIAL ARMY GOVERNMENT’S MESSAGE TO GENERAL FREYBERG (P.A.) WELLINGTON. April 7. “With reference to the latest instance of German aggression, the following announcement is being made .in London, Canberra, and Wellington," said the Prime Minister 'the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) to-day. “ ‘After the entry of German troops into Bulgaria brought to a head the long-threatened German invasion of the Balkans, the British Government, in full consultation with the Dominion Governments concerned, sent an army to Greece, comprising troops from Great Britain. Australia, and New Zealand, to stand in line with the soldiers of our brave ally in defence of their native soil. The British Air Force, which has for some time been operating in Greece against the Italians, has been strongly reinforced.’ “That is the end of the statement," said Mr Fraser. The people of New Zealand would, he knew, wholeheartedly join with him in extending God speed to our boys in the task which confronted them, and in the fullest confidence that they would acquit themselves as men and New Zealanders. t , , ~ “I have this morning dispatched the following message to Major-General B. C. Freyberg,” added Mr Fraser. '“My colleagues and I, and all the people of the Dominion, extend to you and the officers and men of your command earnest and heartfelt good wishes in the operations you are now about to undertake. Our thoughts and prayers are constantly with you. particularly so at this moment. We have every confidence that the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force will add fresh lustre to the laurels earned by its famous predecessor. All good fortune, and God be with youW