World Leaders Pay Tributes

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27628, 7 April 1955, Page 11

World Leaders Pay Tributes

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, April 6. Newspapers and broadcasting and television stations throughout the free world paid warm and affectionate tribute today to Sir Winston Churchill and the world’s leaders sent him their best i*|hes on his retirement from his high office.

In America a week of speculation in press and radio had prepared the way for the announcement of his resignation. The last formalities were followed so closely in Canada and the United States that all one New York evening newspaper could find as a headline for its final report was: “It’s Official.” World leaders paid these tributes when they learned Sir Winston Churchill had asked the Queen to be relieved of his post. •

President Eisenhower in a personal message said: “All in the free world can respect your decision to retire from official office to lead a somewhat more serene life than was possible before.

“But I never expect that we shall be denied your counsel and advice out of your great wisdom. “We know that you will never be backward in bringing those qualities forward when we appeal to you for help, as all of us are bound to do.” Mr Edgar Faure, Prime Minister of France: “No political career has been so full, so fruitful, so prodigious.”

General Alfred M. Gruenther, Supreme Commander, Allied Powers in Europe: “We at S.H.A.P.E. have for ever revered Sir Winston Churchill for his inspiration to us and to men of goodwill everywhere.” Mr Joseph Bech, Prime Minister of Luxembourg: “For more than half a century he has rendered the most eminent services not only to his people, but to Europe and the whole world.”

Dr. Konrad Adenauer, West German Chancellor: “We in the free world shall always need his advice.” Dr. Willem Drees, Prime Minister of the Netherlands: “I am happy to express once again the special place Sir Winston Churchill has won in the hearts of our people by his fight for freedom, which was also our freedom.” Mr Achille van Acker, Prime Minister of Belgium: “Never perhaps in humanity’s history has a man so deeply embodied the spirit of his people as Sir Winston Churchill during World War II.”

Field-Marshal Viscount Montgomery, Deputy-Supreme Allied Commander: “Sir Winston Churchill is a great personal friend of mine and the greatest Englishman of our age. If he thinks it is time to lay down his burden we must accept his decision and wish him the greatest possible happiness in his retirement.”

Mr Johannes Strydom, Prime Minister of South Africa: “At the age of 80, Sir Winston Churchill leaves the public scene at the zenith of his power and prestige and as one of the most dynamic political figures that Europe has ever produced.” Dr. Cyril Barbett, Archbishop of i York: “The whole free world owes a [tremendous debt of gratitude to Sir

Winston Churchill, • and his great leadership in the days of war will always be remembered with profound thankfulness.”

Mr Halvard Lange, Acting-Prime Minister of Norway: “Sir Winston Churchill has not only created and written history—he is history.” Mr Julius Raab, Austrian Chancellor: “He is the man who most decisively intervened in world affairs In the last century.”

Mr H. C. Hansen, Prime Minister of Denmark: “We Danes add our admiration and affection to this man whose life work has been so great for the freedom and rights of mankind.” Mr John Foster Dulles, United States Secretary of State: “Sir Winston Churchill is one of the great men of history. Those of us who know him personally have a great privilege.” General George Marshall, Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the war, and a former Secretary of State: “A great, a very great, man has retired from a long and powerful part in world leadership. The most remarkable career of modern times has reached its active conclusion.” Mr Louis St. Laurent, the Canadian Prime Minister: “All of us know no one more richly deserves a respite from the overpowering public responsibility that high office imposes.” Mr Harry Truman: “Sir Winston Churchill is a great man of our age. Of course we are all sorry to see him retire.”

Mr R. G. Menzies, Australia’s Prime Minister: “We thank you from all Australians for what you have done and for all the great things you will do and say and write in the years to come. For myself, thank you for the generous and inspiring friendship which will always be the supreme honour of my life.”

Moscow Radio reported the bare fact that Sir Winston Churchill had gone to Buckingham Palace to present his resignation to the Queen, and that it had been accepted.

Belgrade Comment Belgrade Radio said Sir Winston Churchill’s talents during his many years of political life in Britain had been devoted to the service of an Empire which was “slowly being liquidated.”

But it said in his brilliant political career, he had united the qualities of unflagging energy, faultless memory, magnificent eloquence, and vitality of spirit.