Queen Appeals In Message

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30943, 27 December 1965, Page 9

Queen Appeals In Message

(N.Z. Press Association-Copyright)

LONDON, Dec. 26. The Queen yesterday appealed for peace in her Christmas message to the Commonwealth.

“We may never have it completely, but we will certainly achieve nothing unless we go on trying to remove the causes of conflict between peoples and nations.” In her television and radio broadcast to Britain and the Commonwealth, the Queen said: “Good will towards men is not a hollow phrase. Good will exists, and when there is an opportunity to show it in practical form, we know what wonderful things it can achieve. “To deny this Christmas message is to admit defeat and' to give up hope. “It is a rejection of every-, thing that makes life worth living and what is far worse, it offers nothing in its place.” The Queen continued: “In fact, it is just because there are so many conflicts In the world today that we should reaffirm our hopes and beliefs in a more peaceful and a more friendly world in the future. “This is just the moment to remind ourselves that we can all find some practical way to serve others and help to create a better understanding between people.” Queen Elizabeth said that if, throughout the Commonwealth, “we can all make a sustained effort, perhaps Christmas next year will be a much happier one for many; people" At Christmas time people;

■ were reminded that it was the ’ time of peace on earth and > good will towards men. : “Yet we are all only too well i aware of the tragic fighting, hatred and ill-will in so many , parts of the world,” she said. . “Because of this, cynics may ! shrug off the Christmas message as a waste of time, but ; that is only the gloomy side [ of the picture: There are also ; brighter and more hopeful i signs. .. . t “We must have dreams and i ambitions for peace and good will and they must be pro- ; claimed.” > I Practical Demonstration The Queen said perhaps the ’ most practical demonstration 1 of good will was in the grow-; ; ing practice of young people; to give voluntary service to I others. ! “A new army is on the 1 march which holds out the : brightest hopes for all mankind,” she said. 1 The Queen’s message was ! recorded at Buckingham Palace on December 14 and dis1 tributed throughout the world 1 for broadcast on television ' and radio yesterday. She made no mention of Rhodesia in her message. , Dressed in a jade green silk - gown and wearing pearl and i diamond jewellery, "* Queen > Elizabeth was sitting at a i small round mahogany table 'lin the white and gold bow i room which looks on to the • i terrace and Palace gardens.