CHARTER ANNIVERSARY

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 August 1942, Page 5

CHARTER ANNIVERSARY

MR. ROOSEVELT’S MESSAGE

“GREAT UNION OF HUMANITY”

RUGBY, August 14. The formation of a Great Union of Humanity, based on the Atlantic Charter, was proclaimed by Mr. Roosevelt in a message he sent to Mr. Churchill and the heads of the United Nations.

“A year ago to-day,” he said, “the Prime Minister of Britain, and I, as representatives of two free nations, set down and subscribed to a declaration of principles common to our peoples. We based, and continue to base, our hopes foi' a better future world on the realisation of these principles in this' declaration, known as the Atlantic Charter. “A year ago, to-ohy, nations resisting the common barbaric enemy were unions, or small groups, fighting for their existence. Now, these nations and groups of nations, in all continents of the earth have united. They have formed a Great Union of Humanity, dedicated to the realisation that the common programme of purposes and principles, set forth in the Atlantic Charter, through world-wide victory over the common enemies, their faith in life, liberty, independence, religious freedom, and in- preservation of human rights, justice in their own lands, as well as other lands, have been given form and substance, as the United Nations. “Freedom and independence are to-day in jeopardy the world over. If the forces of conquest are not successfully resisted and defeated, there will not be freedom, no independence, and no opportunity for freedom for any nation. It is therefore to the single and supreme objective of defeating the Axis forces of aggression, that the United Nations have pledged all their resources and efforts. When victory comes, we shall stand shoulder to shoulder in seeking to nourish the great ideals for which we fight. It is a worthwhile battle. It will be so recognised through all ages, even amid the unfortunate peoples who follow the false gods to-day. We reaffirm our principles. They will bring us to a happier world.”