THE RED ARMY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 126, 23 February 1944, Page 6

THE RED ARMY

New Zealand’s Tribute

“New Zealanders will not need to be aroused by the occasion of Red Army Day to a consciousness of the debt we owe to the armed strength of the U.5.5.R.,” said the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser,' last night. “For the past year we have followed the German retreat which began precipitately from the Caucasus and has since continued with everincreasing losses and despite the fierce desperation of the Nazi war machine. We know what the Red Army has paid in human effort and we realize how mucn our own hopes for victory and the return of our men serving in Europe are linked with the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women of the Red Army. We join today with the people of Russia and all the other United Nations in paying whole-hearted tribute to the military prowess and amazing endurance of the victorious military forces of our Soviet allies.” CABLE TO STALIN Wellington Celebration - The national executive of the New Zealand Society for Closer Relatione with Russia last night decided to send the tollowing cablegram to Marshal Stalin: “Congratulations on this twenty-sixth anniversary of tbc Red Army. We convey to you, and the Soviet armies and people, our deep admiration, and that 'of the people of New Zealand for your most yaliant struggle against our common enemy. We trust that it will not be long before the Soviet armies in Eastern Europe will be striving to close the - gap between themselves and those of. the United Nations.in Western Europe, thereby rapidly ending Nazi tyranny. We trust that the un’ty achieved in war will continue in the peace.” . The film “Moscow Offensive’ was shown on Sunday night at the Time Theatre, Wellington. There. were some hundreds unable to gain admission. The mayor, Mr. Hislop, presided. Introducing Mr. Atmore, M.P.. he referred to the debt of gratitude owed the Red Army and its leader. Marshal Stalin. Mr. Atmore reviewed some of the past opinions about the Soviet Union, and the different attitude which today existed, and which, he hoped, would continue after the war. There were few doubts today as to the real purpose of the earlier conflict between Russia and Finland, he said. We had much to learn from Russia which could be of benefit to New Zealand, even about social security. He considered that it was to the advantage of both countries that closer relations should be maintained. It offered the greatest hope for .future security and peace. Ihe great fight of the Soviet armies had helped to save many of the lives of our own and British men. The film was well received by the audience, there being frequent applause, specially when Marshal Stalin was shown speaking on the historic occasion when. he called for an all-out attack on the invaders. There were close-up films of battle scenes, artillery bombardments, divebombing, and spectacular charges by paratroops on skis, cavalry, and tanks.