IN MIDDLE EAST

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 87, 12 March 1941, Page 8

IN MIDDLE EAST

NEW*ZEALAND TROOPS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, March 12. The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. P. Eraser) announced in the House of Representatives this afternoon that a contingent of New Zealand and Australian troops fronv the United Kingdom arrived in the Middle East some time ago.

"These troops have there joined other New Zealand ana Australian units," said Mr Fraser, "and this accession further, consolidates the Dominion Forces." The New Zealand Government was warmly appreciative of the reception and treatment accorded those New Zealand soldiers who were previously domiciled in the Motherland, continued Mr Eraser. It was glad to know that during the period the Dominion troops were in the United Kingdom they not only rendered valuable service in the defence of Britain, but were really made to feel at home. The time they spent there was fully occupied in training, and ,the experience gained, including their association with British troops, would prove invaluable. They were entrusted with an important post under the Dover Command to meet any onslaught by invaders, and New Zealand was conscious of the honour conferred by this confidence in her soldier sons. ,

Mr Fraser referred to the tributes to the New Zealand troops by Mr Churchill and Sir John Dill, adding that when the troops sailed from the United Kingdom he had received a message from the Secretary for, the Dominions conveying the official appreciation of His Majesty's Government for the help the New Zealand troops had rendered in the common ca.ise during their service'in the United Kingdom. , ~.i '!We send them every good wish, said Lord Cranborne. "They will, we know, ably carry on the splendid traditions of the New Zealand Forces and win fresh laurels for their arms. Mr Fraser said he had replied thanking Lord Cranborne for his message, and stating: "AVe share with you the conviction that in their new sphere of activities the New Zealand troops will worthilv uphold their traditions. CONVOYING FEAT.

Mr Fraser stated that the safe convoy of the New Zealand and Australian troops to the Middle East from Britain had been ah undertaking calling for skill and courage and .had strengthened our faith in the efficiency and sea-power of the British Navy. The reunion of the New Zealanders with their fellows in the Middle East was a notable event, and the concentration would place at the disposal of the commanding officers a highlytrained and well-equipped force. "There has been in the past somecomment about the non-employment of New Zealand troops in the major actions in the Middle East," said Mr Fraser. "Wherever and whenever they were called upon they were not only available, but on every occasion they rendered service of outstanding value to the triumph of the united forces. And now, with the completion of their formation, our well-trained troops are ready fully to share the response to any call and to successfully withstand any challenge from the destroyers of democratic rights and liberties."