BRITAIN'S LEADER

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 135, 9 May 1945, Page 4

BRITAIN'S LEADER

LOFTY TRIBUTES TO ME CHTJE CHILL (Press Assn.) WELLINGTON, May 9. "There is nothing more true than that to those with faith in Him and whose cause is just God sends the means of deliverance in time of danger," said the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Nash) in a national broadcast shortly before 1 a.m. today. "To the British Commonwealth and the world a man was sent in 1940 Winston Churchill—Churchill.' whose • thrilling and soul-inspiring words in the dark vears of 1940-1941 and 1942 rallied the people of the British Commonwealth and the freedom lovers of all countries. He took control of the war policy against Germany and Italy two davs' short of five years ago. "No man had made a greater contribution towards saving the world than the Prime Minister of Great Britain. For five long years and a half each day's news brought anxiety, pain, mourning, and sorrow to manv homes. But Britain never despaired. The result of those long years is to be announced this morning by Mr Churchill whose statement is now to be broadcast." Mr Churchill then spoke, and at the conclusion Mr Nash said: "You have heard Mr Churchill's message. We have much to be thankful for. Let ns show our thanks in S. way worthy of our great country.. In quiet reverence let-us thank God and resolve not to put down the torch until all people see its light .and freedom from want and fear prevails throughout the world. "The news today is good, but we must remember that the conflict is not over. There are many difficulties to clear up in Europe. The Japanese with like ambitions to those of the Nazis and Fascists are still fighting, and until that menace also is removed the freedom we so much, desire cannot be secured. "May I conclude this short broadcast by reading a message which came to me today from another man whoso name will live for long years in the j h"'story of our Dominion—General Sir: Bernard Frevborg. Here are his words: 'Wo are all deeply touched by tho warmth of your praise of this great Division of yours. Now that the end here in Eurone has come we can look hack with pride upon the great achievements of this force—small in numbers compared with the large forces that arc involved. But by the sheer courage and abilitv of its manhood, it has fought itself into the front_ rank of the fighting formations of this or any war.' "General Freyberg concluded by saying: '.May 1 say how conscious I have always been of the great support I have received from the War Cabinet and also how much I appreciate your kind references to me. the commander of tho Division. Your much valued message will, of course, be passed on to all ranks.' "Winston Churchill and Bernard Freyberg are close personal friends. Two great men, brilliant examples of singlemindedncss combined wit* strength of purpose, outstanding initiative, and the strength which comes from humility. We all in this country have a personal contribution to make. It will be pood for us to see how much we can exnaiid our contribution by studying the lives and following the example of the Prime Minister of tho United Kingdom and the commanding officer of tho Second New Zealand Ex- j peditionary Force," concluded Mr j Nash. *