AIRMEN FROM CONGO

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20636, 16 August 1941, Page 6

AIRMEN FROM CONGO

TRAINING IN AFRICA FIRST BATCH WELCOMED (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Consulate-General of Belgium in New Zealand has received a cable message from the Belgian Foreign Minister, M. Spaak, which states that the first Belgian contingent of candidates for pilots, observers, radio telegraphists, and mechanics has arrived in South Africa from the Congo for training. Field-Marshal Smuts attended the Belgian Legation on August 6, and the candidates were presented to him by the Belgian Minister, M. Moulaert, who expressed thanks to the Government of the Union for having consented to undertake the training of his compatriots. He further affirmed the eagerness of the Congo air force to fight side by side with the valiant South African aviators, and spoke in praise of General Smuts, who completely understood the danger of Hitlerism and w.as resolved to fight until final victory. M. Moulaert also thanked General Smuts for the South African donation of £50,000 to the Belgian relief fund. General Smuts welcomed the Belgian air force pupils. He declared that the South African air force would be able to show young colonial aviators how to profit from experiences recently acquired in Africa. He drew attention to the brilliant victories of the Belgian Congo forces and to the colony’s important economic contribution to the Allied war effort. He alluded also to the splendid result of the voluntary subscription of the people of the Congo towards the purchase of fighter planes. In conclusion, he expressed a hope that the close collaboration now existing between the Congo and South Africa mighiS continue atyer the war, and voiced a sincere prayer for the speedy liberation of Belgium and King Leopold.