EMPIRE'S WAR EFFORT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 116, 19 May 1941, Page 6

EMPIRE'S WAR EFFORT

DOMINION AID

TRIBUTE BY MINISTER

RUGBY, May 17

The Dominions Secretary (Lord Cranborne), speaking at Lewes, said that the passionate attachment of the British people to their liberties was reflected by the great Dominions overseas "They are not near; they might easily have looked the other way," he said. "There is nothing in the Statute of Westminster to prevent them doing so. But they did not. They weighed in with all their strength.

"Today Canada has 165,000 men mobilised for active service. Already 60.000 are serving overseas. The Royal Canadian Navy is playing an important part in winning the Battle of the Atlantic. Canada's shipyards are building ships of war. Her factories are producing 160 planes a month, as well as weapons of war of all kinds.

"As early as July last year the Australian Imperial Force already amounted to 90.000 men, and recruiting has steadily proceeded, ever since. This is in addition to a home defence force of 250.000 men.

"The New , Zealand Expeditionary Force in November last amounted to 38.000 men. in addition to a home defence force of 100.000.

"It is unnecessary for me to stress the magnificent feats of arms of these two Dominions in Libya and Greece. This is apart altogether from their contributions in the naval sphere and the continued and increasing expansion of their war factories.

"The Union of South Africa has raised an army of 120,000, to which has been mainly due our victories in East Africa and Abyssinia .

"In addition. Dominion pilots have shown themselves to be among the most daring in the world, and are playing a full part in driving the enemy from the skies.

"I have spoken of the Empire's war effort. We honour them for it. But they would be the first to say that the main burden must inevitably rest on us. Let us shoulder that burden boldly. By doing so we shall not only make victory more certain. We shall bring it nearer. This is one of the

great moments of history, Let us be

worthy of it."

—8.0.W