LATE MESSAGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 May 1945, Page 8

LATE MESSAGES

“VICTOR Y”. BANQUET ’ RUGBY, May 9. The scene in the room where the Germans signed the unconditional surrender is described by a Berlin correspondent who says: Once the Germans had gone, several hundreds of people in the room had their faces wreathed in smiles. Tedder and Zhukov did a regular pump-handle handshake, and there \vere handshaking congratulations all round. An hour or so later, the room had a festive air. Russian girl waitresses laid the table for a typical Russian banquet. Toasts went on till after 4 a.m. Zhukov paid a handsome tribute to Eisenhower “A magnificent general, one of the most talented this war has produced,” he said. Tedder recalled the toast he proposed in Moscow last January. “To our meeting in the ruins of Berlin.” The sun was rising over the dead city of the defeated broken aggressor, as the victory banquet of Karlshorst broke up. Russian soldiers chatting or waiting in the street pulled up to salute in smart but friendly fashion, as the British, American and French military envoys got into a fleet of cars to return to the business of winding up the war in Europe. FOOD FOR GERMANS.

RUGBY, May 9. Mr. Arthur Henderson, Financial Secretary of the War Office in a written reply to Sir Leonard Lyle (Conservative) in the Commons, stated that instructions had been issued by the Supreme Command of the Allied Expeditionary Force that no imported foodstuffs will be issued to the German people except in extreme emergency. Such a state of emergency will be held, to arise when indigenous resources available in any area are insufficient to prevent disease, or as such that unless supplemented they will lead to an epidemic which will interfere with the objects of occupation. Levels of food consumption by the German population will not be permitted to exceed those for civilians in liberated countries, and the actual amount of food which may be available is subject to those limitations, firstly,_ that requirements of Allied countries have priority over those of German civilians. Secondly, that the amount of food which can be imported into Europe as a whole is limited by transportation difficulties. ■’MONTY" THANKS NAVY

RUGBY, May 9. A message has been received by the First Sea Lord from Marshal Montgomery, thanking the Royal Navy for the magnificent support it had given the Army throughout the war. “The Army owsd the Navy a great debt of gratitude,” the message stated, “ and would not forget it.” mr. fraserb’messages.

(Official News Service.) SAN FRANCISCO, May 9. Mr. Fraser sent the following message to King George: “May I express on behalf of Your Majesty’s Government and subjects in ' New Zealand my deep appreciation of your moving message broadcast on this clay of victory in Europe. The people of New Zealand regard it as fitting the world should hear on this historic occasion the voice of the beloved ’leader of the group of British nations which stood long as the bulwark of democracy against the forces of tyranny. To us who are gathered at San Francisco. Your Majesty’s splendid words will be an inspiration in our endeavours to set up machinery with which to secure a peace worthy of all those who have so nobly fought and so bravely died to attain it.”

The Prime Minister sent these other telegrams on the announcement of V.E. Day: To General Freyberg: “On the occasion of the termination of hostilities in Europe I desire to send you and the officers and men under your command a message of the warmest congratulations. It is a matter of the greatest pride to our country that the magnificent Second New Zealand Division should have played so distinguished a part throughout so many campaigns until this day of final victory in the European theatre. Once again I express my personal thanks to you for your most distinguished and loyal/ 'services.” «

To Mr. Churchill: “New Zealand rejoices with the people of the United Kingdom on this glorious occasion, and joins with them in prayers and thanksgiving that after such magnificent efforts and such immense sacrifices we have progressed so far along tlie road to complete victory over our common enemies. We shall never forget the inspiration that Britain and you personally have given us throughout.” To General Eisenhower: “Please accept heartfelt congratulations on this final great achievement of yourself and the forces under your'command. The United Nations owe an incalculable debt to you for 'the brilliant leadership and efforts to coordinate both in spirit and deed the armed forces of many countries.'” To Marshal Montgomery: “1 extend on behalf of New Zealand and myself heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding contribution in achieving the complete defeat of Germany. New Zealand will always be proud to recall that her Second Division served under your inspiring leadership.” SAMOAN COMMEMORATION

APIA, May 9. Victory Day celebrations in Apia commenced at eight a.m. on Tuesday with the ringing of church bells, sounding of _ sirens and steamer whistles. At nine a.m., a large concourse of Samoans and Europeans assembled at Administration Buildings. The Administrator, in a short address announced the cessation of hostilities with Germany and also read a message from the Acting Prime Minister (Mr. Nash). The local defence paraded and was inspected by the Administrator. To mark the occasion the Administration and other buildings were decorated with flags and bunting. Today (Wednesday) is also a holiday. ESCAPEE RECAPTURED

DUNEDIN, May 10. One of the three men who escaped from the lock-up yesterday was recaptured this morning in Caversham suburb. He is Robert Wark Johnston. 23, who was sentenced on Monday to 18 months’ reformative detention.'He was seen at Mornington at 7 o'clock this morning and was captured shortly afterwards in Caversham. Appearing in the Police Court he was remanded till Wednesday next.