GRIM TASK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23687, 20 June 1940, Page 8

GRIM TASK

FIGHTING__FOR LIFE STAND BY EMPIRE COURAGE AND UNITY BELIEF IN VICTORY * [by tklegii aptt—special reporter] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Tho task now before the British people l of facing alone if necessary the whole of the war strength of their enemies was plainly stated by tho Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr. Fraser made it clear, however, that the people, of New Zealand, like those in Great Britain, were in good heart, and were prepared to support Britain to the very end in tho belief that, with the immense resources at the disposal of the Empire, victory could bo finally achieved. Mr. Fraser was applauded at tho conclusion of his statement. Full Burden on Empire "There is no need for me to recount the successive stages of the rapid deterioration in the past few days," the Prime Minister said. "We all know that the French land forces have been overwhelmed, that the country is at this moment being over-run and that the French Government is endeavouring to arrange an armistice. "What the terms will be we can only guess, but one is justified in assuming that they will be both humiliating and harsh. Whether they are accepted or not it is manifestly clear that the British Commonwealth of Nations alone must bear the brunt of tho struggle in which we are now desperately engaged. British Determination "There is no need for me to emphasise the determination of all of us to follow the course upon which we are set," Air. Fraser continued. "No matter how hard the task or bitter the struggle, the British people are determined to continue the light, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because they are confident that they can succeed. We in New Zealand join with the other members of the British Commonwealth in pledging ourselves to this end." The Prime Minister said that last Saturday the Government had reaffirmed that pledge on behalf of tho people of New Zealand in a message to Mr. Churchill stating that, whatever decision the British Government took in the present most difficult circumstances, it would be understood, accepted and supported by New Zealand to the very end. Dominion's Pledge Renewed

At the same time, the Government had again pledged New Zealand to every form of assistance within its power, and had said that, with the sole desire to render the maximum help, the Government would gladly consider suggestions of any kind that the British Government might think it desirable to make.

A lengthy and inspiring reply had been received the following day from Mr. Churchill. Mr. Fraser quoted the final paragraph of this reply as follows: "No one can predict of' guarantee the course of a life-and-death struggle of this character, but we shall certainly enter upon it in good heart. There are solid reasons behind our resolve not to allow the fate of France, whatever it may be, to deter us from going on to the end. Possible Use of Fleets "Even if we should be beaten down, it will always be possible to send our fleets across the ocean, where they will protect the Empire and enable it to continue the war and blockade until the Hitler regime breaks under the strain. 'We 6hall let you know at every stage how you can help, being sure that you will do all in human power, as we for our part are entirely resolved to do."

It was not necessary for him to emphasise that the people of the British Empire were fighting for their lives, Mr. Eraser said, and this was a time for wholehearted effort and unstinting sacrifice. Everything must be, devoted to one thing—victory. Profits, incomes, hours of labour, privileges, political party feelings and prejudices were as but dust in the balance compared with the great and menacing danger that threatened. All these! must be surrendered, for if personal and factional considerations could not bo set aside we were not great enough to retain our liberty. "The People Will Not Fall" "The British people have determined, with a full realisation of the dangers involved, to carry on the struggle whatever happens —to carry it on alone, if necessary, for years," Mr. Fraser concluded. "As Mr. Churchill told the House to-day, the battle of Britain is about to begin, and upon this battle depends tho survival of Christian civilisation.

"It is a battle which the British peoples are proud to fight, and we in New Zealand are still more proud to be associated with them at this solemn and fateful hour. All I can say at this moment is that the people of New Zealand will not fail."