KING’S' MESSAGE

Southland Times, Issue 22465, 28 December 1934, Page 5

KING’S' MESSAGE

EMPIRE BROADCAST SPEECH HEARD BY MILLIONS INTEREST IN AMERICA (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.45 p.m.) London, December 27. The Times in an editorial says that although the King’s message was primarily for his own peoples, his Majesty has become a great world figure, universally honoured for the simple dignity with which he upholds the best traditions of the monarchy, for his unflagging interest in all affecting his people, and for his anxious labour in the cause of peace and goodwill among the nations. Therefore it was natural that millions throughout the world gave attention to the speech, especially in the United states. Moreover, one of the many influences drawing AngloAmericans closer has been Americans’ growing regard for the King, also for the Royal Family, as was manifested on the occasion of the Dpke and Duchess of Kent's marriage. Similar interest was shown in France and elsewhere.

In the course of his address the King said he extended to all his people, everywhere, at Home, in the dominions and in the colonies, Christmas greetings. He would like-to think, he said, that all who were listening to him, in whatever part of the world they might be were bound together in the spirit of one great family. This spirit was demonstrated a month ago at the marriage of his dear son and daughter. He hoped that as time went on this spirit would become stronger. The world was still restless and troubled. The clouds were lifting, but each one of his listeners had his own difficulties and hopes. If the present troubles were met in the spirit of one great family they would be overcome, but it would be necessary to put aside all party rivalries. On that day particularly the Empire should unite as a family, to remember those in suffering, in sickness, or out of work, and do all in the power of everyone to help them. His Majesty then extended a special greeting to his people of his dominions overseas. These people had taken with them to their new homes the memories and traditions of the old country and the spirit of Christmas, which knew no barriers. If his voice reached any of his people in India, he asked that they be assured of his continued anxiety for their welfare, and hoped that they might more fully realize and value their place in the unity of the one great family. His Majesty concluded: “May I add, simply and sincerely, that if I may be regarded as in some sense the head of that great and wide-spread family, I shall be fully rewarded for all the labours of my reign, of well-nigh five and twenty years. As I sit in my own home, and speak to a great multitude listening to my voice, whether they be in British homes or in far-off parts of the realm, to all of you, and especially to your children, I wish a happy Christmas. I commend you to Him by whom every family, in heaven or on earth, is made. God bless you all.” APPRECIATED IN FRANCE. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Paris, December 26.

The British Empire broadcast was the most successful and most appreciated Christmas radio event throughout France. The newspapers unite in praise and admiration and print the King’s words in their entirety.