FAITH IN VICTORY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25085, 26 December 1944, Page 5

FAITH IN VICTORY

MESSAGE TO ARMIY MONTGOMERY'S OPTIMISM LONDON, Dec. Q4 Field-Marshal Montgomery, in ft personal Christmas message to the Twentyfirst Army Group, said: "The forces of the British Empire in Western Europe spend Christmas, 1944, in the field, but what a change has come over the scene since last Christmas. The battle of Normandy carried with it the liberation of France and Belgium. "Last Christmas we in England were expectant and full of hope. This Christmas we are fighting in Germany. The conquest of Germany remains. It would have been a brave man who on D Day would have said that in three months we would be in Brussels and Aiitwerp, having liberated nearly the whole of France and Belgium, and in six months would be fighting in Germany, having driven the enemy back across his own frontiers.

"However, this is what has happened, and we must not fail to give praise and honour where it is due. 'This was the Lord's doings and it is marvellous in our eyes.' What we desire is on earth peace* goodwill toward men. So today we sing a Christmas hymn full of hope, and steadfast in the belief that we shall have our hearts' desire. "Therefore, with faith in God, with enthusiasm for our cause and for the day of battle, let us continue the contest with stout hearts and determination to conquer. At this time I send each one of you my best wishes and Christmas greetings. Wherever you may be, fighting in the front line or working iu tlie lines of communication or in the ports. ] wish all of you good luck and a happy 1945. W T e are all one great team. Together you and I have achieved much, and together we will sec things through to the end. Good luck to you all."

ENCOURAGING GERMANS (Rficd. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dor. 2". The German Minister of Propaganda. Goebbels, broadcasting a Christmas message to the German people, said: "The Fuehrer's thoughts are always with his people by day and during many sleepless nights. When our enemies depict him as sick the wish is father to the thought. "What he has to say to the world will be heard in due course. It is already hearing more than it likes. I never saw the Fuehrer so full of plans and visions ns during the last weeks before our western offensive." FASCIST KILLED LONDON, Dec. -M The Berlin radio announces that Roberto Farinacci, one of M ussolini's closest collaborators, has been killed in an accident.