King George’s Messages Of Sympathy

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1940, Page 6

King George’s Messages Of Sympathy

LONDON, May 11.

King George, in a telegram to the King of the Belgians, expresses the depth of his disgust at the crime of the German invasion of Belgian territory in violation of international law and specific assurances, and his admiration for the gallant resistance being made by the Belgian people.

His Majesty says: “For the second time within a quarter of a century, Germany has made an unprovoked attack upon your country, and once more, in accordance with obligations assumed by my Government and the French Government, Allied forces are hastening to the support of your people. Faith in Victory “I have complete faith that together our arms will again prevail and that Belgium will maintain her freedom and independence. “In this critical hour I wish to convoy to Your Majesty and your people an expression of the sympathy and admiration for your country which is felt by my peoples throughout the world.” Neutrality Grossly Outraged In a message to the Queen of the Netherlands, His Majesty says the neutrality so strictly observed by the Netherlands since the outbreak of war has been grossly outraged. The remainder of the message is similar to that sent to King Leopold. A telegram expressing horror at the unwarranted G,erman invasion and sympathy for her people was also sent by the King to the Grand Duchess of Luxemburg. British Keep Their Word. The following message has been received by the King from the King of the Belgians, in reply to His Majesty’s message to King Leopold:— “Your Majesty’s far-reaching and encouraging message has touched me deeply’. “It brings to me in this grave hour through which my country is passing the value of the fidelity of the British people to their pledged word. “The cause which Belgium is defending is sacred to my countrymen, and I share the unshakable confidence, which your message expresses, in the free and independent future of our two countries.”

Queen Wilhelmina’s Reply,

The following message has been received by the King from Queen Wilhelmina:—

“I desire to express my heartfelt thanks for your kind message, proving in this moment of grave tribulation that Your Majesty and your people throughout the British Empire are ready and anxious to give us all possible moral and material support. “I wish to tell Your Majesty how happy I am that our peoples and fleets and armies are fighting side by side against this ruthless aggression. “I feel certain that the cause of freedom and justice will triumph in the end.” Appeal to King of Italy. The Pope has sent a sympathetic message to King Leopold. Queen Wilhelmina and the Grand Duchess of Luxemburg. His message to King Leopold read: “We send you and your entire nation, so beloved by us, an assurance of paternal affection, while praying that this stern trial may end with the resoration of Belgium’s full liberty and independence. "We send our apostolic blessing with all our heart.”

Queen Wilhelmina has telegraphed to the King of Italy appealing to “the noble sentiments always shown by the House of Savoy” and to his humanitarian feelings in the present conflict thrust upon Holland.