MOMENTOUS NEWS

Evening Star, Issue 25564, 17 August 1945, Page 2

MOMENTOUS NEWS

LONDON, August 15

Mr C. It. Attlee, in his broadcast from No. 10 Downing Street announcing the surrender of Japan, said: " Let us recall that on December 7, 1941, Japan, which China had resisted for over four years, fell upon America and also upon ourselves, who were oppressed in our death struggle with Germany and Italy. Taking full advantage of surprise and treachery, the Japanese forces quickly overran our territories and those of our Allies in the Far East, and at one time it appeared as though these invaders would reach the mainland of Australia and advance deep into India. But the tide turned, slowly at first, and then with everincreasing speed and violence, as the mighty forces of the United States, the British Commonwealth, and the Empire, and all their Allies, and finally Russia, were brought to bear. Enemy resistance everywhere has now been broken.

" At this time we should pay tribute to the men from this country and the dominions, India, and the colonies, and to our Fleets, Armies, and Air Forces who have fought so well in the arduous campaign against Japan. Our gratitude goes out to all our splendid Allies and, above all, to the United States, without whose prodi-

Allied Leaders Speak The Day ®f the Bemocrcades

gious efforts the war in the east would still have 'many years to run. We also think especially at this time of the prisoners in Japanese hands, of our friends in the dominions—Australia, New Zealand, India, and Burma. —and in those colonial territories on which the brunt of the Japanese attack fell. _ We rejoice that their sufferings will soon be at an end. and that these territories will soon be purged of the Japanese invader.

" Here at Home you have earned rest from the unceasing efforts you have all borne without complaint through so many dark years. I have no doubt that throughout > industry generally the Government's lead in the matter of victory holidays .will be followed and that -to-day and tomorrow will everywhere be treated as holidays. • There are some who must necessarily- remain at work on, those days to maintain essential services, and I am sure they can be relied oh to carry on; When we return, to work on Friday morning we must turn again in every way to the, great tasks which challenge us, but for the moment'let all who can relax and enjoy themselves in the knowledge of work well done. Peace has once more come to the world. Let us thank God for this.great deliverance and His mercies. Long live the King." : ■ '"