French President’s Great Tribute

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1938, Page 5

French President’s Great Tribute

(Received 1.30 p.m.) PARIS, July 23. President Le Brun, after the unveiling of the memorial, said: “A great honour falls to me for the third time to bring the salute of France to a monument destined to commemorate in history the heroism of sons of the British Empire who died so gloriously on our soil. “The first was in 1933, at Thiepval, whose promontory we can almost see from here. There, with a gesture for which we cherish infinite gratitude, Great Britain assisted our two countries in the glory of one memorial to celebrate the unity of sacrifice of the soldiers of our armies, who fell side by side in the course .of so many severe battles. “Then, two years ago, at Vimy, on a crest which henceforth will be historic, and where our two nations took part in the unveiling of the monument erected by Canada in memory of her

) sons. “Today we are glorifying the admirable Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, those irresistible Anzacs of the Fourth British Army, who, in April, May, July and August, 1918, took such an active part in the Amiens operations, taking 22,000 prisoners, capturing considerable war booty, and leaving 20,000 of their own on the field. “Twenty years have gone by now, and the corn is growing again on this land drenched with blood. Trees mutilated by shells are throwing vigorous branches. Martyred grass is now growing in the meadows. Common Gesture of Pious Homage. “It is just to recall the martyrdom of heroic soldiers from Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and New Zealand. Let us bow our heads and render homage which the centuries cannot efface. It is touching to the head of the French State to stand beside Your Majesties at this moving ceremony, united in the same gesture of pious homage. “It is a pleasure, Sire, to salute you here, whose youthful years were spent on the seas and in the air, amidst shot and shell and the din of battle. “We are particularly touched that Your Majesty has combined your first visit to France with the inauguration of this memorial. In associating the head of France in today’s ceremony, the French Government is anxious to mark again the close understanding of our two democracies on the scene of their exploit. Safeguard of Liberty. “It is also desired to remind them that their union on the battlefield was a safeguard to independence and liberty. “Your Majesty said recently that the friendship of the two peoples sharing the same ideal of justice, constitutes the best guarantee of world peace. That affirmation was renewed in yesterday’s festivities, the echo of which will not die out, and will be retained j in the present troubled times of actu- ! ality of force. j Call to All Peoples, j “May it resound among all J peoples as a guide to action, an'd an appeal to confidence. “On behalf of the French Government and people, I thank Your Majesties for the honour of this visit, the : memory of which will be deep and I lasting. • “On this spot, where the valiant arm- | ies of Australia, Britain and France ‘ fought, where in life and death indisi soluble lies were formed among them, I thank, in person, the Australian I Ministers and Governments, whose ( happy initiative allowed, on this part

of French soil —now Australian —the raising of a monument which our compatriots will for centuries surround with careful solicitude. “To the hundreds of pilgrims who may cross the seas to pray on the soil where their brothers fought, I address a fervent expression of France’s sympathy and affection.”