Argentine Shows the Way

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 187, 9 August 1940, Page 7

Argentine Shows the Way

CATTLEMEN’S MAGNIFICENT GIFT TO BRITAIN (British Official Wireless.) Received Thursday, 5.30 p.xn. RUGBY, Aug. 7. Further details of the magnificent gift of £40,000 worth of cattle by the Argentine meat trade to the troops of the Empire have now reached London. After the fall of France when the position in Britain became more difficult the cattleowners of the Argentine immediately took the initiar tive in demonstrating in a practical manner the bonds of friendship which have united the Argentine and Brit ain for more than a century. Gifts of steer ß were asked for bo that after slaughter and prepration beef could be sent to the defenders of Britain. By the end of June more than 350 cattle-owners had offered gifts of steers while others had offered money. The first 4000 steers were rapidly acquired and subscriptions continued. British railways in Argentine offered a reduced rate to transport the cattle from T,he farmers to the works, auctioneers all over the country collaboarted in advertising the offer and all slaying houses prepared the meat free of charge, while the Finance Minister and National Meat Board facilitated matters in regard to rules and regulations. A ticket is affixed to every quarter of beef and even this was printed free. It bears the notice: “Donation from Argentine farmers —good luck.” The occasion of the gift was marked by an official luncheon at which the British Ambassador (Sir Desmond Ovey) said the gift was doubly appreciated at a time when some people might be doubting the ultimate results of the war. Such doubts must not exist since the victory of the British Empire was inevitable, and more so in view of the generous and opportune help of their good Argentine friends, whose invaluable collaboration fortified the unbreakable will to conquer which animated all peoples of the Empire. Dr. Edouard Helguera, on behalf of the organising committee, said: “When the British Empire is struggling alone against the whole of Europe and defending the world against tyranny and despotism, converting herself into a knight of freedom against aggression and barbarism so as to prevent the destruction of such principlee of social and economic liberalism which have marked the progress of the last century, Argentine cattleowners consider it necessary that we should make our contribution, modest in amount but great in symbolism, since it algnitiee that we are at your side, that we defend the same principles and we desire to bo part of the world which fights for free ideas which are the basis of betterment and progress.” Brazilian’s Acknowledgement to

Britain. An eminent Brazilian for many years associated with British enterprises, has sent £IOOO to the British Treasury as “my war contribution to your great country defending freedom and justice in this world. It is a simple gift and not a subscription to any loan.”