WORLD CAUSE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23687, 20 June 1940, Page 10

WORLD CAUSE

CALL TO DUTY PRIME MINISTER'S APPEAL HELP FROM DOMINIONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, .Tuno 18 The Prime Minister, Mr. Churchill, in a broadcast speech this evening discussed, in much the same terms as he had done earlier in his House of Commons statement, the possibilities of the invasion of Britain by the enemy. "We have fully informed all the selfgoverning Dominions," Mr. Churchill said, "and we have received from all the Prime Ministers messages couched in the most moving terms, in which they have endorsed our decision and have declared themselves ready to share in our fortunes and persevere to the end. That is what we are going to do. "If we can stand up to the enemy, all Europe may be freed and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if wo fail the whole world, including the United States, and all we have known and cared for will sink into the abyss of a dark age made more sinister and, perhaps, more prolonged by the lights of perverted science. "Let us, therefore, brace ourselves to our duty and so bear ourselves that if the British Commonwealth and the Empire last for thousands of years, men will still say, 'this was their finest hour.' " The attitude of the Dominions was generally appreciated as the most eloquent testimony of the unity of the British Empire in a grave crisis, declnred Mr. Churchill, and was an emphatic answer to any threats or cajoleries which might result from the Munich meeting of Hitler and Mussolini. EMPIRE UNITY DECISION NOT IN DOUBT SOUTH - AFRICA'S ATTITUDE British Wireless LONDON, June 18 The Prime Minister of South Africa, General Smuts, in a broadcast to-night, said: "France herself may go out of the fight. Britain and the Dominions may bo the last champions of the cause for which they took up arms. It has not come to that yet. It cannot be assumed that France will submit to dishonourable or inglorious terms, which would not only compromise her Allies, but make her a vassal State of Germany. "As to our decision, there can be no doubt that the British Prime Minister has already declared the unalterable resolve of Britain to continue the war even if she has to stand alone. The Dominions are unstintingly ranging themselves alongside Britain in this resolve, not least South Africa." MAXIMUM USE MANPOWER IN BRITAIN LONDON, June 18 In the House of Commons Mr. Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for War, said the Government was determined to make the maximum use of manpower. More men had been absorbed in the last five weeks than in the first four months of the war. The Central Council for Recreative Physical Training announces a "Fitness for Service" campaign backed by the Government with the object of raising the stamina of everybody to the highest possible level, preparing them for various forms of war or industrial service. PEOPLE OF MALTA » . NOW IN BATTLE ZONE MESSAGE FROM THE KING (Received June 19, 6.50 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Juno 18 In a message to the Governor of Malta, expressing thanks for birthday greetings, His Majesty the King says: "I have already heard of the gallant spirit and fine bearing of the Maltese people since they were brought within the battle zone, and I have no doubt they will worthily uphold ' their great traditions in the struggle in which they are now actively engaged." It is officially stated that 37 civilians have been killed and 42 seriously injured in air raids since Italy's entry into the war. Those killed include nine children, most of them under 10 years old. MONEY FROM SARAWAK British Wireless LONDON, Juno 18 Reaffirming the gratitude' and appreciation of his people for the peace and safety afforded them by their connection with the Empiro, the Rajah of Sarawak, Sir Charles Brooke, has given an additional £60,000 for the prosecution of the war.