Hard Fighting Still Ahead – Freyberg

Northern Advocate, 29 June 1943, Page 4

Hard Fighting Still Ahead - Freyberg

(Special) WELLINGTON, Monday. A word of caution against overoptimism was uttered by LieutenantGeneral Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., in a broadcast address iast night. “1 am a little nervous about the present state of affairs,” he said, “because there is such a spirit of optimism abroad, I feel that people imagine that the Axis forces are disintegrating, and that the war in Europe is now approaching the end. “Although there is reason for optimism, I feel bound to sound a note of warning. The German army is still formidable. The Germans are not yet short of munitions, food or oil. They are still capable of a strong offensive, and they will require heavy punishment before they finally collapse. New Phase Reached “Further, if you look at the map of Europe, you will see that we have now reached a new phase in the war. We must now cross the sea and carry out what is called an amphibious operation before we can force the enemy to battle. This new phase is a difficult one. You have been used in the past year to follow victory after victory in the desert, and must be ready now for a different kind of campaign. “We have to be prepared to fight hard to establish our armies on the mainland of Europe. Grim fighting lies ahead, and we must be prepared for it. The whole resources of the nation will be called on—men and women, wealth and industry. Effort Must Be Increased “Those who cannot go to fight must use their leisure and lend their money to produce the munitions of war,” General Freyberg continued. “The next battle will be on a large scale. Great quantities of equipment are required, for the Eastern front in Fiussia, and for the new front or fronts in Europe wherever they may be opened. It is true to say, therefore, that the effort of the United Nations must not only be maintained but must be increased in order to achieve the momentum necessary to defeat both the Axis and Japan. “For the moment we are favourably situated regarding equipment, but equipment is never good enough,” concluded General Freyberg. “You can never be sure that the best today will be the best tomorrow. Who knows what will be produced by the German armament factories tomorrow?” '

Support to Hie Third Liberty Loan appeal was given last night by General Freyberg. He said he did not profess to be able to discuss the loan from the economic point of view but as a sold,ier he realised the vital need for money during the war. He wanted everyone to realise how important it was to save at this moment, and that the best investment to put their savings in was the Liberty Loan. He was anxious to encourage the small investor, and he was going to advise the men of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force to co-op-erate. The whole resources of the country must be committed to the support of the war.

“I know this country has made and will continue to make a great contribution to the war effort,” said General Freyberg, “and I have no doubt that the Third Liberty Loan like its predecessors will be over-subscribed.”