ATLANTIC CHARTER ANNIVERSARY

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23718, 17 August 1942, Page 6

ATLANTIC CHARTER ANNIVERSARY

ROOSEVELT’S MESSAGE

(8.0. W.) RUGBY, August 14. The formation of a great union of humanity based on the Atlantic Charter is proclaimed by Mr Roosevelt in a message which he has sent to Mr Churchill and other heads of the United Nations.

“A year ago to-day the Prime Minister of Britain and I, as the representatives of two free nations, set down and subscribed to a declaration of the principles common to our peoples," he states. “We based, and we continue to base, our hopes for a better future and world on the realisation of these principles. This declaration is known as the Atlantic Charter. “A year ago to-day the nations resisting the common barbaric enemy were unions or small groups fighting for their existence. Now these nations and groups of nations in all continents of the earth have united. They have formed a great union of humanity dedicated to the realisation of that common programme of purposes and principles set forth in the Atlantic Charter through world-wide victory over their common enemies. Their faith in life, - liberty, independence, and religious freedom, and in the preservation of human rights and justice in their own lands as well as in other lands, has been given form and substance as the United Nations. "Freedom and independence are today -rj jeopardy the world, over. If the forces of conquest are not successfully resisted and defeated there will be no freedom, no independence, and no opportunity for freedom for any nation. It is, therefore, to the single and supreme objective.of defeating the Axis forces of aggression that the United Nations have pledged all their resources and efforts.

“When victory comes we shall stand shoulder to shoulder' in seeking to nourish the great ideals for which we fight. It is a worth-while battle. It will be sotrecognised through all the ages, even amid the unfortunate peoples who follow false gods. To-day we reaffirm our principles. They will bring us to a happier world.”