Middle East’s Homage to Britain

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 4, 6 January 1941, Page 6

Middle East’s Homage to Britain

GENERAL WAVELEZ S NEW YEAR MESSAGE (British Official Wireless.) Received Sunday, 9.20 p.m. RUGBY, Jan. 4. General Sir Archibald Wavell, in a New Year broadcast from Cairo, says: “We in the Middle East have admired from a distance the courage of our people at home. We have witnessed at lirst hand the gathering of the Empire to the war. Neatly every Dominion and colony is represented in the Middle East and from the mandated territory of Palestine and Transjordan both Jewish and Arab units have been formed to assist us. We have also lighting on our side tho forces of the Pree French, Poles and Czechs. Just across the way our men are helping tho gallant Greeks. 1 should like to acknowledge the help given us by our friends and Allies, tho Egyptians, in accordance with their treaty with us. “Wc had our period of danger in the Middle East in tho months that followed June last, when Italy’s ruler decided that good loot could bo had without much lighting and danger. Our garrisons in Egypt, the Sudan, East Africa and British Somaliland were most dan gcrously weak. Fortunately, no determined attack was made except in Brit isli Somaliland where seven Italian brigades with artillery and tanks tried to drive back our live battalions. We acknowledge the compliment in tho size of the force thought necessary. ‘‘ I should like here to pay tribute to the small detachments who on the frontiers of Egypt, the Sudan and East Africa remained undismayed and unimpressed by tho enemy’s numerical superiority, but attacked wherever they saw the opportunity. Their endurance and skill paved the way to success.”

General Wavell concluded: “Maintain the spirit and unity of these last months and all will bo well.”