ARCHITECTS OF VICTORY

Evening Star, Issue 25565, 18 August 1945, Page 8

ARCHITECTS OF VICTORY

N.Z.'S CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES (P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 16. • The Governor-General has despatched the following message to the King : "On this day, which marks the unconditional surrender of Japan and the end of the world conflict, the Government and peoples of New Zealand, its island territories, and Western Samoa, join with your Majesty's subjects throughout the world in thanksgiving and rejoicing that a war which has raged for so long has ended in signal victory to the Allied arms. In a spirit of deepest gratitude, they thank God that your Majesties have been preserved throughout those critical years when overwhelming disaster threatened to engulf the whole world, and that peace reigns once more. Tliey reaffirm their loyalty and devotion to your Majesty's person and the Throne." The following messages have been sent by the Dominion president of the New Zealand U.S.A., Mr B. J. Jacobs, on the occasion of V.J.-Day:— To the King: "Your comrades and loyal subjects of the New Zealand U.S.A. extend to you sincere congratulations upon the victorious conclusion of the war, and I convey to you and the Queen our profound admiration for your inspiring leadership and example through the long, anxious years involved."

To Mr Attlee: "Through you, and per you as the leader of Great Britain, the New Zealand R.S.A. extends to your Government and people our unstinted admiration of their courtfge, endurance, and perseverance, both in the services and among civilians,, during nearly six long years, now crowned with complete victory. # To your country and them, our Dominion owes its own safety. May the bonds of Empire be strengthened by our common cause."

To General Freyberg: "On the final termination of hostilities 1 repeat to you and all ranks of the division the association's previous messages of congratulation, pride, and admiration, and then some more. You all have surely added lustre to the name of New Zeaiand, and have provided a wonderful chapter in the history of the world." To Mr. Churchill: " The New Zealand R.S.A. reiterates the sentiments regarding your good self expressed in my message for V.E.-Day, and desires vo convey to you its sincere regret that fortune ordained that you would not be at the helm of our Enipire for the final termination of the conflict. We again say that we look forward to repeating our complete sentiments to you here and in person." _ ' Congratulatory messages were also sent to President Truman, Lord Louis Mountbatten, General MacArthur, and a general message to the New Zealand services, " wherever they may be."

"The thoughts of the Government and people of New Zealand are with you in this hour of triumph for the United Nations. We gratefully recall your dauntless courage, your inspiring faith, and we thank you for your resolute leadership during the years of stress and strain," says in a message to Mr Churchill. " You and President Roosevelt were the great architects of the plans which brought about the defeat of all the enemies of democracy and freedom'. The downfall of Japan marks the fulfilment of your plans." • .: Mr Eraser, in a message to Mr Attlee, •expresses New Zealand's joy at the defeat of Japan, and adds: " The greatest source of inspiration to us had' been the resolute manner in which the people of the Mother Land stood firm in the greatest crisis in the history of world freedom. By their "-faith and courage they held open the way to life and hope for millions of oppressed people, and freedom' for the whole world."

To Mr Chiflev, Mr Fraser gave an assurance that New Zealand would never forget the stand the Australians made against the tide of Japanese aggression, and the hope that was kindled when Australia won in New Guinea the first Allied land battle against the Japanese. New Zealanders would always remember the Australians' response to the inspiring call of the late Prime Minister, Mr Curtin, for an allout war effort. To President Truman, Mr Fraser expressed heartfelj congratulations, and added: "We are deeply eonsciouw of the magnificent service the ' United States has rendered, not* only to New Zealand and our neighbours in the Pacific, but to all freedom-loving nations in the world by their mighty contribution and, that of Mr Roosevelt and yourself to the downfall of all our enemies. We remember with warm hearts the sojourn of the United States forces in our land while they were preparing for the initial'blow against the Japanese at Guadalcanal and Tarawa, and rejoice particularly that the enterprise then begun from these shores has today been crowned with overwhelming success," To General de Gaulle Mr Fraser expressed cordial goodwill and, through him, to the Government and people of France. " May abiding co-operation in the tasks of peace crown the memory of our past efforts and endurance." Mr Fraser, in a message to Generalissimo Stalin, said: "In the great struggle through which the world has passed we have been filled with admiration and gratitude for .the magnificent achievements oi the Red army and the Soviet peoples. The solidarity which has marked the United Nations throughout the war will, we trust, continue for the benefit of all freedom-lov-ing people in the days to come." To General Freyberg: " At this historic moment, when the defeat of all our enemies has been secured, out thoughts turn in gratitude and pride to the men and women of our forces, and especially to the Second New Zealand Division, which, under your gallant and distinguished leadership, has yielded such aid to the sum of victory. To you and all ranks under you the Government Tind people of New Zealand extend their warmest congratulations and thanks." Mr Fraser also sent a message to General Blarney, in which he referred to the achievements of the Australian forces, and said New Zealanders wero sure Hhat the two dominions would work together in peace, and that the imperishable traditions of An/.ac would always endure.

" To-day Chinese flags are flying in every Now Zealand town, and every New Zealander is thinking with admiration and gratitude of the part the undaunted Chinese people have played in the overthrow of aggressive Janan," says Mr Fraser, ill a message to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek "We are deeply happy that China will now be able to concentrate iipon the repair of the cruel ravages of war. The New Zealand Government and people will willingly co-operate with the Chinese people in plans to promote the welfare and security of the peoples of the Pacific and the Far F,;ist." To Sir Bruce Fraser. the Prime .Minister cabled: " The Government and people of New Zealand recall with warmest gratitude and admiration the gallant and effective part played by

the men of the British Pacific Fleet in the defeat of Japan. We are proud that our own cruisers have served with you, and to you and all under vour command wc extend our warmest congratulations and thanks." To Lord Louis Mounthiitteii: " Your forces have fought magnificently in a theatre which must be counted amongst the most difficult in which warlike operations have been conducted. The notable victories you and all your forces have achieved are striking evidence of the gallantry and heroism of British, arms."