SECOND ECHELON

Evening Star, Issue 23832, 12 March 1941, Page 8

SECOND ECHELON

TRANSFERRED TO EGYPT PRIME MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT HIGH REPUTATION IN ENGLAND [Pkb United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 12. The Prime' Minister announced in the House of Representatives this afternoon that a contingent of New Zealand and Australian troops from the United Kingdom had arrived in the Middle East some time ago. “ These troops have there joined other New Zealand and Australian units,” said Mr Fraser, “ and this accession further consolidates the Dominion forces. The New Zealand Government was warmly appreciative iof the reception and treatment accorded those New Zealand soldiers who were previously domiciled in the Motherland, continued Air Eraser. It was good to know that during the period the Dominion troops wore in the United Kingdom they not only rendered valuable service in the defence of Britain, but were really made to feel at home. The time spent there was fully occupied in training, and the experience gained, including association with British troops, would prove invaluable. They were entrusted with an important post under the Dover Command to meet any onslaught by invaders, and New Zealand was conscious of the honour conferred by this confidence in her soldier sons. Mr Fraser referred to the tributes to the New Zealand troops by Mr Churchill, Sir Alan Brooke, and Sir John Dill, adding that when the troops sailed from the United Kingdom he had received a message from the Secretary of the Dominions (Viscount Cranborne) conveying the official appreciation of His Majesty’s Government for the help the New Zealand troops had rendered in the common cause during their service in the United Kingdom. “We send them every good wish,” said Viscount Cranborne. “ They will, we know, ably carry on the splendid traditions of the New Zealand forces and win fresh laurels for their arms.” Mr Fraser replied, thanking Viscount’Cranborne for the message and stating: “We share with you the conviction that in their new sphere of activities the New Zealand troops will worthily uphold their traditions.” Mr Fraser stated that the safe convoy of New Zealand and Australian troops to the Middle East from Britain had been an undertaking calling, for skill and courage, and strengthened our faith in the efficiency and sea power of the British Navy. The reunion of the New Zealanders with their fellows in he Middle East was a notable event, and this concentration would place at the disposal of the commanding officers a highly-trained and well-equipped force. " There has been in the past some comment about the non-em-ployment of New Zealand troops in the major actions in the Middle East,” said Mr Fraser. “ Whenever and whenever they were called upon they were not only available, but on every occasion they rendered service of outstanding vaiue to the triumph of the united forces. And now with the completion of the formation our well-trained troops are ready fully to share the response to any call and successfully withstand any challenge from the destroyers of democratic rights and liberties.”