MAGNIFICENT GIFT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20321, 9 August 1940, Page 7

MAGNIFICENT GIFT

BEEF FOR BRITAIN ARGENTINE CATTLEMEN SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP SUPPORT IN STRUGGLE (Dee. Tel. Copyright.—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Aug, 7. Further details of a magnificent gift of £40,000 worth of cattle by the Argentine meat trade to troops of the Empire have now reached London. After the fall of France, when flic position of Britain became more difliI cult, cattle-owners of the Argentine immediately took the initiative in demonstrating in a practical manner the bonds of friendship which have united the Argentine and Britain for more than tt century. Gifts of steers were askeci for, so that after slaughter and preparation the beef could be sent to the defenders of Britain. By the end of June more than 350 cattleowners had offered gifts of steers, while others had offered money. The first 4000 steers were rapidly acquired and subscriptions continued. The British railways in the Argentine offered a reduced rate to .transport the cattle from the farmers to the works. Auctioneers all over the country collaborated in advertising the offer and all the slnying-houscs prepared the meat free of charge. The Finance Minister and the National Meat Board facilitated matters in regard to rules and regulations. A ticket is affixed to every quarter of beef, and even this was printed free. It bears the notice: “Donation from Argentine farmers—good luck.” Victory Inevitable The occasion of the gift was marked by an official luncheon at which the British Ambassador, Sir Esmond Ovey, said the gift was doubly appreciated at a time when some people might be doubting the ultimate results of .the war. Such doubts fnust not exist, since the victory of the British Empire was inevitable, and more so in view of the generous and opportune help of their good Argentine friends—invaluable collaboration which fortified the unbreakable will to conquer which animated all the peoples of the Empire.

Dr. Edouard Helguera, on behalf of the organising committee, said: “When the British Empire is struggling alone against the whole of Europe, defending the world against tyrannny and despotism and converting herself into a knight of freedom against aggression and barbarism so as to prevent, the destruction of such principles of. social and economic liberalism which have marked the progress of the last century, the Argentine cattle-owners consider it necessary that we should make our contribution, modest in amount but great in symbolism, since it signifies that we are at your side, that we defend the same principles and that we desire to be part of the world 'which fights for the free ideas which are the basis of betterment and progress.”