THE EMPIRE'S TASK.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 1, 12 April 1919, Page 5

THE EMPIRE'S TASK.

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S FINAL DESPATCH.

WARM PRAISE OF CITIZE& ARMIES.

fAusfcraliau and W.Z. Cable Association

and Renter.)

I (Received April 11, 8.50 p.m.) '.■■■_. = London, April 1 - Sir, -Douglas Haig, in a despatch ■ -.dated-March' 21st, describes the ad- » vance of the British force in Germany and the occupation of Cologne bridgehead. He briefly reviews the chief features of military interest in the operations of the British armies on the West front during the time he commanded them, and thanks the able and gallant officers who assisted him _ Dealing with the new armies Sir Douglas Haig says: "The whole Empire may be proud of > its achievement in building up in the very midst of war great-new armies on more than a Continental scale, capable of beating tKe nation which was strongest before the war. That we were able to accomplish this stupendous task is due partly to the loyalty and devotion of our Allies and the splendid work of the Navy, but mainly to the wonderful spirit of the British race everywhere throughout the world. At the outset lack of instinctive discipline placed the new troops at n disadvantage, but during the last two years the discipline of all ranks in the new armies, from whatever part nf the Empire they came, was excellent. The universities and public schools of the Empire again have proved that they are unrivalled in the formation of character, which is the root of discipline. This does not mean that the universities and public schools enjoy a monopoly of the qualities making good officers. The life of the Bri-I tish Empire has generally proved sound under the severest task, and while giving men whom it was an honour for any officer "to command, it furnished officers of the highest stan-j dard from all ranks of society in all I quarters of the world. Promotion has j been entirely by merit, and the high-! est appointment was open to the humblest provided the necessary qualifications of character, skill, and knowledge were present. Sir Douglas Haig cdncludes with a very warm and sincere acknowledgement of the great debt of all ranks of the armies in France to our kinsmen and kinswomen of the British Empire for their unfailing support by thoughts, prayers, and work during the long years of the" war. Their trust and confidence never wavered, their labours never ceased, and no sacrifices or hardships and privations were too great provided that thereby the needs of; the troops might be adequately supplied. ]