QUEEN’S THANKS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20631, 12 August 1941, Page 9

QUEEN’S THANKS

AMERICAN AID BROADCAST MESSAGE BRITISH SCENE SURVEYED (Eloc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Officinl Wireless.) Reed. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 10. Her Majesty the Queen, broadcasting from Buckingham Palace to-night to the American nation, said: “It is just over two years since I spoke to the American people. My purpose then was to thank the countless friends for many kindnesses. It is to those same friends and of even greater kindness, I want to speak to-day.

“We, like yourselves, love peace, and have not devoted the years behind us to planning death and destruction. As yet, save in the valour of our people, we have not matched our enemies. It is only now that we are beginning to marshal around us in their full strength, the devotion and resources of our great British family of nations which will in the end. please God, assuredly prevail. “Through these waiting months, a heavy burden is being borne by our people. As Igo amongst them, I marvel at their unshakeable constancy. In many cities, their homes lie in ruins, as so do many of those ancient buildings which you know and lcve hardly less than us. Women and children have been killed. Even the sufferers in hospitals have not been spared. Yet hardship has only steeled our hearts and strengthened our resolution. Wherever I go, I see bright eyes and smiling faces, for though our road is stony and hard, it is straight and we know we fight in a great cause.” Touched British Hearts “It is not our way in the dark days to turn for support to others, but even had we been minded so to do, your instant help would have forestalled us. The warmth and sympathy of American generosity has touched beyond measure the hearts of all of us living and fighting in these islands. Unless you have seen, as I have seen, jus* how your gifts have been put to use, you cannot know the solace you have brought the men and women oi Britain who are suffering and toiling in the cause of freedom. Here, in Britain, our women are working m factory and field, turning the lathe and gathering the harvest, for we must have food as well as munitions. Their courage is magnificent and their endurance amazing. I have seen them in many different activities. They are serving in thousands with the Navy, Army and Air Force, driving heavy lorries, cooking, cyphering, typing—everyone working cheerfully and bravely under all conditions. Many on the land are driving the plough and making a grand job of it. Others are air-raid wardens and ambulance drivers. , “Thousands of undaunted women quietly and calmly face the terrors of night bombings, bringing strength ana courage to the people they protect. “Though I speak for all m Britain in thanking you all in America, I fee. I would like to send a special.message of thanks to the American women. It gives us strength to know that you have not been content to pass by on the other side. To us, in time o. tribulation, you have surely shown that compassion which is the mark a good neighbour for thousands oi years. Happier World Vision “Believe me—and lam speaking for millions who know the bitter but also proud sorrow of war —we are grateful. We will not forget your sacrifice. The sympathy inspiring it springs not only from our common speech and traditions, but even more from our common ideals. “To you, tyranny is as hateful as to us. To you, the things for which we will fight to the death are no less sacred and, to my mind, your generosity is born of your conviction of your high resolve that, however great .the cost and however long the struggle, justice, freedom, human dignity and kindness shall not perish from the earth. I look to the day when we shall go forward, hand in hand, to build a better, kinder and happier world for our children. May God bless you all.”