VICTORY IN EUROPE

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24567, 16 May 1945, Page 5

VICTORY IN EUROPE

* . MR NASH’S MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATION (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 15. Many cablegrams of congratulation on the Allied victory in Europe have been sent by the Acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. W. Nash) to Allied leaders throughout the world. _ In a message to Field-Marshal Montgomery, Mr Nash, after emphasising New Zealand’s rejoicing at the victory over Germany, recalls the desperate time when the Bth Army turned the tide of war, adding: “We are proud that the New Zealand Division had the privilege of serving with you in Africa and Italy.” „ „ To Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, Mr Nash says: “We are conscious of the heroic part that all forces of your command played in preserving the lines of communication through the Indian Ocean, and in securing the solid and certain defeat of the Japanese forces opposed to you. It is a decisive moment in the war agairist Japan. Now the forces of the United Nations-can be deployed, in ever-increasing, numbers to contribute to the ultimate and, speedy defeat of the aggressor in the Pacific." To General Eisenhower, Mr Nash says: “Twelve thousand miles from the field of your victory, New Zealanders join in thanksgiving and gratitude at this complete defeat of the German forces and the liberation of Europe.” Other messages have been sent to Marshal Stalin, Marshal Chiang Kaishek, the chief of staff of the United States Army (General George Marshall), the commander of the United States Fleet (Admiral E. J. King), the Prime Minister of Australia (Mr Curtin), and the Prime Minister of South Africa (General Smuts), and also to the British Consul at Papeete, and to all New Zealand personnel serving with United Kingdom forces; The following message has been received from General Freyberg replying to the message sent to him by the Acting-Leader of the Opposition (Mr W. J. Poison): “On behalf of all ranks of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force I send thanks for your very kind message, which has been received here with the greatest satisfaction. We wish you to know how grateful we are to all at home in New Zealand for the never failing' encouragement and assistance which you have given us.”