SOVIET UNION’S BULWARK

Southland Times, Issue 24986, 24 February 1943, Page 5

SOVIET UNION’S BULWARK

Achievements Of Red Army

LONDON, February 22. M. Stalin as Commander-in-Chief of the Soviet Armies has issued an order of the day to mark the twenty-fifth birthday of the Red Army which is to be celebrated tomorrow. In it he says: “The Soviet Armies, since their offensive began three months ago have smashed 112 German divisions, have taken 200,000 prisoners, and have killed or wounded 700,000 of the enemy. The Germans have lost 7000 tanks, 4000 planes and 17,000 guns. Their losses since the outbreak of the war were 9,000,000 men of whom 4,000,000 have been killed. “The Russian Armies are now advancing along a 900-mile front under the most dreadful weather conditions. Upon the resistance of Sebastopol, Odessa and Leningrad and above all, upon the resistance of Stalingrad are founded the Soviet successes today. It is a firm foundation.

“The enemy is exhausted and is weaker than ever before. He will no doubt attempt to make good his losses in men and material but it is not clear where he can get the men from and in any event a considerable period will be required in which to train them. The Red Army, on the other hand, is stronger and is building up its reserves.”

TRIBUTE TO STALIN The former United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Mr Joseph E. Davies, addressing a Red Army anniversary celebration in the United States, spoke of the Russian resistance to Germany as “one of the decisive events of history” and attributed it to “the vision, judgment, persistence and power of a single great man—Stalin.’ No one, he said, foresaw the Hitler menace more clearly than did Stalin, Voroshilov, Litvinov, Molotov, Mikoyan and the other great men whom he knew in Moscow six years ago. Even then Stalin had already declared: “A second universal war has become inevitable.” But for Stalin—who, however, disclaimed all personal credit—the great Russian industrial plants would not have existed and the Germans upon crossing the Polish border would not have been confronted with tanks, guns, aeroplanes, and other weapons and equipment of the Red Army which had prevented Hitler from sweeping over the Soviet Union and thereby dominating and controlling Europe and Asia and eventually Africa and the Seven Seas.

“The single truth is that in these Russian campaigns the Government of the Soviet Union, its leaders, the Red Army and the Soviet’s strategy of defence against mechanized lightning attack has saved the liberties and homes of the Soviet Union and the peace of the world. Mother Russia has broken the back of Hitler’s defensive, has prevented Hitler from dominating three continents and has given us the priceless gift of time to take our share in destroying this evil thing which threatened peaceful living people everywhere,” declared Mr Davies. MR ROOSEVELT’S MESSAGE Mr Roosevelt has sent a message to M. Stalin expressing profound admiration for the Red Army’s magnificent achievements unsurpassed in all history. ' The message added: “The Red Army and the Russian people have surely started Hitler's forces on the road to ultimate defeat. Such achievements can be accomplished only by an army with skilful leadership, sound organization, adequate training and above all determination to defeat the enemy regardless of cost and self-sacri-fice. I wish to pay tribute to the Russian people for giving full efforts to the war and for making the supreme sacrifice.” A warm tribute was paid to the Red Army on the occasion of its 25th anniversary by the United States ernment and Labour officials on behalf of the American people. The Secretary of State, Mr Sumner Welles, said: “I am glad of the opportunity to express satisfaction over the magnificent military exploits of the Soviet armed forces, following the epic defences of Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad. These armies have scored and are .continuing to score brilliant offensive victories against the brutal invaders of their country. These victories are a great encouragement to the forces of the United Nations, which in many parts of the world are waging a relentless struggle by land, sea and air against the forces of aggression. They are an inspiration to every man and woman who loves liberty.”

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM N.Z. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, February 23. The following cable has been sent by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) to the British Ambassador at Moscow: “Will you please convey on the occasion of Red Army Day a most cordial message of congratulations and goodwill to M. Stalin from the Government and people of New Zealand, who derive the utmost inspiration from the magnificent achievements of the Soviet forces. It is their heartfelt wish that the victorious advances of the Red Army today will soon result in the speedy liberation of all Soviet territory and tire removal of the menace of Nazi aggression from Soviet, Russia as from the rest of the world.” The red flag of the Soviet Union, with its emblem of the hammer and sickle, was flown from Parliament Buildings and also several Government buildings today in honour of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Red Army. Three flags were flown over the main entrance to Parliament Buildings, the New Zealand Ensign taking the central position. It was flanked by the Union Jack and the Soviet Union flag.

Flags were flown on Government buildings in Invercargill yesterday to mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Red Army. The flag of the Soviet Union was flown from H. and J. Smith’s building.