FOOD FOR GREECE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 27 May 1944, Page 5

FOOD FOR GREECE

MR FRASER’S OFFER FIRST SHIPLOAD AFTER LIBERATION London, May 25u New Zealand may send the first shipload of foodstuffs and other urgcntlyneeded commodities into Greece after that country has been liberated. The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, said to-day : he hoped this could be done as part of the Dominion’s contribution through UNRRA to the relief of liberated countries. He has forwarded the offer | to responsible authorities for their consideration. and is ascertaining whether the necessary arrangements can be made. The wish of the New Zealand Government—which is echoed by the men who served in Greece and Crete just three years ago—that the Dominion may be able to make such a gesture of friendship to Greece when liberation brings the opportunity, has already come under the notice of the Greek Government. Through the High Commissioner. Mr Jordan. Mr Fraser has received messages of appreciation from both the King and the new Prime Minister of Greece. In a message from the Midddle East the King said he felt sure the close comradeship between the Greeks and the gallant New Zealand soldiers had created bonds of common understanding, sympathy and mutual appreciation which will continue and develop after the war has been won. One of the first acts on assuming office of the new Prime Minister, M. Papandreou, was to cable: "I am deeply moved by the generous desire of your country to alleviate the suffering of Greece caused by famine. I personally v-ish to thank you most sincerely for your offer (to send a New Zealand food ship) and beg that the gratitude of my fellow countrymen, who under present circumstances are unable freely to express their feelings, should be made known through you to the country which you have the honour to represent. I seize the present opportunity to assure you that a monument far more enduring than if cut out of marble or bronze has been raised to New Zealand and those who so unstintingly gave their very all in the defence of Greece’s liberty. The name of New Zealand is engraved on every Greek heart and from generation to generation will be transmitted as a legend of debt, love and gratitude which Greece owes to her and which the passage of years cannot but strengthen t’ e more.” ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST In a world-wide 8.8. C. Empire Day programme last night, Mr Fraser made a point that this was the third anniversary of the battle of Crete, saying it was not marked by a holiday or ceremony. but was written for ever in the Dominion’s roll of honour and record of sacrifice. He cited the deeds of New Zealanders, Australians and United Kingdom forces on Crete as being symbolic of the determination with which nations of the British Commonwealth and Empire had fought and were still fighting for the cause they believed in. “In the midst of our material weaknesses—our lack of arms, our lack of necessary extensive preparation—our heroic men showed the strength of our spirit and the truth of the word we had given to defend freedom against oppression.” he said. “On that spiritual strength, on that unbreakable promise, we have built a material strength under which our enemies are reefing blow by blow and day by day.”—Official News Service.