“BLOW TO ALL FREE PEOPLES”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 14 April 1945, Page 5

“BLOW TO ALL FREE PEOPLES”

MESSAGE FROM ACTING-PRJME MINISTER Wellington, April 13. The following message has been sent by Mr W. Nash, Acting-Prime Minister, to the Secretary of State, Washington, Mr Stettinius: “We have learned with the deepest regret of the tragic news of the death of President Roosevelt. His passing is a blow to the free peoples of all countries of the world. Democracy had no greater friend and his inspiring leadership in its cause will be ever remembered. He was an ardent champion of the under-privileged, not onjy in his own country, but everywhere. His contribution toward the lifting of the world out of the depression was unsurpassed. His wise measures and kindly counsel were listened to and were to the benefit of all people of all countries. “We, here in New Zealand, will ever cherish the grateful memory of his friendship and inspiration, both before and during the present world war. His guidance of his country during the prewar period and early years of the war came second only to his unparalleled contribution after the United States had entered the conflict. “Lend-lease is among other epochmaking conceptions which will keep his memory green in all countries that have been saved by its “help. His decisions as Commander-in-Chief of the United States have made a major contribution in the direction of the conflict toward Ihe victory we hope to enjoy soon. Like earlier great leaders he has led the world toward a victory that will make possible peace among nations, but he will not be here to enjoy the fruits of the work which he has done. He was a citizen of the world in the greatest and truest sense and his death is an irreparable loss to the cause of freedom. “To Mrs Roosevelt and family, to his colleagues in the Government and to all United States citizens, the Government and people of New Zealand and its island territories extend their sympatny at the loss of a great son of a great people.” The following message of sympathy has been telegraphed by the ActingPrime Minister, Mr W. Nash, on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand to Mrs Roosevelt and the members of her family: “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I extend the most sincere sympathy to you and the members of your family in the tragic death of your husband. We in this country have the greatest reasons to cherish his memory, for wc knew his wisdom and his kindness to all and the magnificent inspiration and help he gave in the cautjp for which we are now fighting. You and your family may be consoled with the knowledge that he was a truly great man whose love for men, women and children extended to all races and people and whose name will be ever remembered throughout the world.”