U.N. FORCE FOR EGYPT

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28159, 24 December 1956, Page 15

U.N. FORCE FOR EGYPT

NO ADVICE ON N.Z. PARTY’S ROLE MR HOLLAND WRITES TO VOLUNTEERS (From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, December 23. The Prime Minister (Mr Holland) has written to all men who volunteered to serve with the New Zealand contingent for the United Nations police force in the Middle East. His letter says there is still no firm news about when they will be required by the United Nations, or their duties. The Government cannot consider arrangements for the formation of a force until this advice is received from the United Nations, says Mr Holland. The letter is as follows: “Some time ago you volunteered your services for the contingent which your Government offered to contribute to the United Nations police force in the Middle East. I wish to thank you most sincerely for that. “The New Zealand offer was made because of our nation’s sincere attachment to the ideals and principles of the United Nations and our desire to do what we could to help to preserve world peace. At the time you volunteered, there was every indication that the New Zealand contribution, which was one of the first offered, would be required by the United Nations as soon as it could be organised.

“Recruiting went ahead on that basis. It was then contemplated that the force from New Zealand would become available for what has been described as the second wave of the United Nations force in the Middle East. New Zealand has reaffirmed her offer of a contribution, and the Minister of External Affairs (Mr T. L. Macdonald) has had personal discussions with the Secretary-General of the United Nations to ensure that nothing which could be done from the New Zealand end would be left undone.

“However, the Government has not yet received advice from the United Nations about its plans for the New Zealand contribution, and I am unable to give you firm news .as to when and in what capacity the services of New Zealand volunteers are likely to be required. Until we know this, the Government cannot consider arrangements for the formation of any force. “I know this will be a disappointment to you, as it is to the Government, which made its immediate offer because of a full sense of its duty to the United Nations, and its appreciation of the urgency of the need to restore conditions of peace in th? Middle East.

“I can only ask you now to accept with patience the position which has arisen. What counts is that you did volunteer, and volunteered at once, in the highest New Zealand traditions. My purpose in writing to you is to tell you of the Government’s and my appreciation of your action. May I express to you best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,” concludes the letter.