FAITH IN BRITISH VICTORY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21960, 12 May 1941, Page 5

FAITH IN BRITISH VICTORY

Leaders Broadcast To Conquered Peoples British Official Wireless (Rec. 10.2 p.m.) RUGBY, May 10. Broadcast speeches were made this evening by Queen Wilhelmina, the Grand Duchess of Luxemburg and the Belgian Prime Minister (M. Pierlot), on the occasion of the anniversary of the German invasion of Holland, Luxemburg and Belgium.

Queen Wilhelmina said the Dutch empire maintained Its effort to overthrow aggression and from Curacao to New Guinea Dutch ships leave port laden with war materials for the Allied cause and people. Here the people In Europe could only offer active assistance through those of Its forces that had escaped from the aggressor’s power, but the East Indies freely continues to strengthen Its army.

navy and air force. “In the Netherlands,” the Queen said, "my people have found other ways of hampering the invader—ways of which I cannot tell you here, but of which dally I have fresh evidence. Hitler has succeeded in invading Dutch territory, but he never succeeded In invading the Dutch spirit. In occupied and unoccupied territory there is but one conviction—that our resistance must be absolute." A note of determination, courage and unwavering belief in a British victory and the liberation of her country characterised the speech of the Duchess of Luxemburg, in the course of which she said: “I trust in the fulfilment of the British aims to create world security based on Christian principles and the fundamental ideals of the British Commonwealth, where might is not right and where the liberties and rights of small peoples are equally respected with those of the great.” Recalling that this day last year marked the second time in a quarter of a century that Germany had ruthlessly invaded Belgium, M. Pierlot said: "To-day, as in 1914, Belgians refuse to submit to the rule of foreign bullies whom they despised.” Speaking of last year’s fighting he said: “After the end of the campaign of 18 days, during which the Belgian army with the gallant B.E.F. fought stubbornly and desperately against overwhelming odds, the King became prisoner of war. His uncompromising attitude Is a source of Inspiration to his people and a symbol of their resistance.” Turning to continued participation in the struggle, M. Pierlot said that all Belgians outside the occupied territories had been called up and the new Belgian force was already co-operating on land, sea and air for the defence of Britain. “We have united the considerable assets we had abroad to those of the British Empire and all the resources of the Belgian Congo are at the service of our common cause. Our colonial army is taking its part in the brilliant campaign of the Empire forces in Abyssinia.” Standing amidst the ruins of a Dutch church destroyed in a Nazi raid last December, Queen Wilhelmina stood with Dutch exiles from their country and joined in a service of commemoration. Over their heads the flag of the Netherlands flew half-mast, while all present stood. in silence in honour of those who had given their lives for Holland’s salvation and others suffering for their patriotism in prison concentration camps. The flag was then run to the masthead and the Dutch national anthem sung.

East Indies Prepared According to a message from Batavia the anniversary to-day of the Nazi Invasion of the Netherlands was celebrated throughout the East Indies by impressive military parades and displays of Air Force strength. It was a striking indication of the preparedness of the East Indies against the threat of aggression.