BELGIAN LIBERATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 198, 23 July 1941, Page 7

BELGIAN LIBERATION.

FAITH HELD HIGH. RUGBY. July 21

Belgium’s national Day of Indepen-dence-—it was on July 21, IR3I. that King I/eopold 1 entered Brussels as the sovereign of a free, united Belgium—was flic oeeas'on to-day of broadcasts hoth hv the British Foreign Secretary (Air Eden) and the Belgian Prime Aiinister (AI. Pierlot). AD Eden emphasised the part the Belgians of the three- fighting Services have played, and are playing in the fight- against the Nazis. “The Belgian army, reorganised in France and again in this country, is undaunted by the trials it has surmounted.” he said. “It is gathering its strength and awaits the day when it can assist the whole Allied army in the war of liberation. Nor do we forget the Belgian airmen, who played their part in the great- Battle of Britain last year and who continue to fight with us: nor the Belgian sailors and merchant seamen who face the daily perils of torpedo, mine and bomb

“Overseas the great Belgian colony o*' Congo is fighting with us. The Belgian Government and the Congo authorities have devoted the resources of that- territory to the Allied cause, and Congo has supplied us with many products that- we needed. Thev asked for more active work, and they have shared in the victorious campaign in East Africa. THE HARDEST PART.

“But to-night we think above all of Belgium.” Mr Eden coutinuedi “It is you in Belgium who have the hardest part to play, and our thoughts are with vou in your patience, courage and suffering. We know something of what you have to endure —the privation lor yourselves and your children, the denial of ail freedom, the bitterness of daily life for a proud people under bated alien rule. But this also we know: though the enemy may rob you of your homes and property, and even your daily bread, it cannot rob you of your independence of spirit and your loyalty to your country. In spite of your trials, you are keeping the soul of Belgium alive. Do not despair. The day will come, and it may not be long delaved. “We, with our Allies and with your soldiers, airmen and sailors, are striking, and will continue to strike at the enemv wherever they are found, with increasing force and with growing strength on land and sea and in the air. W e are confident in the justice of our cause; we are sure of victory. We know you share our faith, our certainty, and that you will hold fast and do all in your power to frustrate * the Nazis by every means at your disposal.” M. Pierlot. exhorting his countrymen to stand firm and keep high their holies, paid a special tribute to Belgium’s King. “On this anniversary let ns think of our Royal House, of the King, whose unshakable strength is a symbol of resistance to the invader.” he said. “Let each one of us reaffirm our courage and resolve to follow the order which the King gave to the forces: ‘Hold out to the last for the Fatherland’s sake.’ ” —Official Wireless.