DEBT TO FORCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25288, 23 August 1945, Page 6

DEBT TO FORCES

KING'S FINE TRIBUTE CHEERS FOR ROYALTY WESTMINSTER CEREMONY CAMPAIGNS IN PACIFIC By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, Aug. 21 King George went; to the Palace of Westminster today to receive Parliament's congratulations on Japan's surrender and the overthrow of all the King's enemies. The ceremony took place in the Royal Gallery. Crowds from Buckingham Palace down the Birdcage Walk to Westminster gave the King a reception. He drove with the Queen and Princesses in a closed car. The ceremony was carried out with all the traditional pomp. The King, replying to the addresses, paid the war against Japan was fought far from the British Isles, but he was proud the British people had contributed fully to victory. They should pay a tribute to the armed forces, to whose courage, endurance and sacrifice their debt was immeasurable. Brilliant Campaign The British Fleet, including Canadian, Australian and New Zealand naval units, had fought its way in comradeship with the American Navy to the heart of the Japanese Empire. The British East Indies Fleet had driven the enemy from the Indian Ocean and powerfully supported the armies in Burma. * The British Commonwealth armies had steadfastly endured the dangers and hardships of tropical warfare, serving together in a spirit of brotherhood which would prevail through the years to come. His Jlajesty thought it proper particularly to pay a tribute to the forces from Britain, India and East and West Africa, who, under conditions of almost unbearable severity, liberated Burma in a brilliant campaign in which the medical and nursing services added a glorious page to their splendid record throughout the war. The King said the Royal Air Force, with the Dominion, Indian and AlHed air forces, had won historic victories. "Just as our hearts go out to those few whose spirit and achievement first sustained us in tho Battle of Britain, he said, "so also we must voice a tribrte to those who, with their power grown to match their bravery, have taken their place in the last great offensive of thg Allies." Empire Countries' Part

The perils of wartime oceans did not deter the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets frdm carrying out tasks without which the military effort would have failed for lack of supplies and the people at home would have starved. The King especially praised British women in industry, the services and in homes. "I am especially glad to acknowledge the unfhiling . support in men, materials and food given throughout the war by all parts of my Commonwealth and Empire," said His Majesty. "They have suffered and struggled with us, and with us they share the joy of victory. We salute the great company of nations, large and small, who contributed to the limit of their power to the restora- , tion of peace on earth." * ' When the King concluded there was a rumble of applause, spontaneous ' in nature and exceptional at the conclusion of a Royal address. Then the Prime Minister, Mr Attlce, rose and called for three cheers for Their Majesties and their Royal Highnesses.