Greeted By Eden

Northern Advocate, 13 February 1940, Page 5

Greeted By Eden

The Dominions Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden), who flew from England to Cairo in the week-end with the King’s message, awaited the .arrival of the troops at Suez. With him were the British Ambassador to Egypt (Sir Miles Lampson), the General Officer Commanding British Troops in the near East (Lieut. General Sir Archibald Wavell), Major General Freyberg, the Governor of the Suez Canal and the Military Governor of Suez. They boarded the first transport to arrive, which carried New Zealand troops. Sir Miles Lampson, standing on the after-hatch of a luxury liner, read the King’s message. Charge From King. Mr Eden, welcoming the troops, said: “Before leaving London, His Majesty charged me to repeat his congratulation on your safe journey and his wishes for your welfare. “New Zealand and Australia took their place, the moment war was declared. by the side of the United Kingdom and their sister Dominions and Allies in the vital struggle, in which we are engaged. “It is a simple, clear truth that the Nazi system is based on brute force. “It is a denial of civilisation. “There will be no free life for the pecples of the world until the system is destroyed.’’ Addressing the men on- behalf of the British Government, he said: “The nations of the British Common-

wealth are now closely knit in a common endeavour. “In their unity lies the certainty of final victory and the assurance of better things to come. “By your action in crossing the seas you have sent the bravest message that it is in your nation’s power to give. For this and the spirit in which you have come, Britain thanks New Zealand and Australia.” The speech was greeted with lusty cheei's. Maori Greetings. Major General Freybui’g, in reply, gave the Maori greeting, “Haere Mai." and asked Mr. Eden to take to His Majesty the keenest appreciation of his message and to confirm the great loyalty and devotion, expressed in the New Zealand Govei'nment’s thanks to the Royal Navy for its cai'c of the troops. He asked Mr. Eden to give a message to the gallant comrades of the Australian Imperial Force, conveying their good wishes, “and we say how happy and secure we feel having them on cur flanks.” Major-General Freyberg’s words appear to sum up the general opinion among the New Zealandei-s. “We are determined to see this job through, although we realise that it won’t be an easy one but we are certain of victory.”