Future Of Middle East Safe With Imperial Forces-Eden

Northern Advocate, 15 November 1940, Page 5

Future Of Middle East Safe With Imperial Forces-Eden

(Received noon)

RUGBY, November 14. THE SECRETARY FOR WAR (MR ANTHONY EDEN) HAD A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO RELATIONS AND FRIENDS OF WHAT HE REFERRED TO AS “ESSENTIALLY AN IMPERIAL ARMY,” IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

Members of this army, Mr ©den said, faced the future with the utmost confidence. He was able to report that the standard or health was good. '

Volunteers All. < Mr Eden recounted how he had seen volunteers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Palestine, Cyprus, Mauritius and Malta, all of whom had come of their own free will to play their part. “I told our forces, in a special message before I left, that the future of the Middle East was safe in their hands,” he said. : “I can tell you there was much more reason for that confidence than there was a short time ago, for our men in that part of the world are'.growing in numbers continually. ‘They have more and better weapons and know how to use them. ■ “No one should Under-estimate the task they are called upon to perform.

“It is immensely formidable, but with every week that passes, our forces are better trained and equipped to carry it through to victory.” ; • Tribute to Smuts. Mr Eden spoke of the pleasure given him at meeting General Smuts. “In the far-off days of the last war many of us from other parts of the Empire felt there were qualities in him which made him a leader of us all, a brave and sure guide in times -of peril and difficulty,” Mr Eden said. ■ “It was of-the greatest value to me at Khartoum to be able, to take counsel with a stateman with these rare qualities of vision, wisdom and courage.” •