CIVIL AND MILITARY LEADERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 4

CIVIL AND MILITARY LEADERS

Dominion Extends Congratulations Text Of Messages (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 16. “The thoughts of the Government and people of New Zealand are with you in this hour of triumph for the United Nations. We gratefully recall your dauntless courage and vour inspiring faith, and we thank you for your resolute leadership during the years of stress and strain.” says Mr Fraser in a message to Mr Churchill. “You and President Roosevelt were the great architects of plans which brought about the defeat of all the enemies of democracy and freedom. The downfall of Japan marks the fulfilment of your plans.”

Mr Fraser, in a message to Mr Attlee, expresses New Zealand's joy at the defeat of Japan and adds: “The greatest source of inspiration to us has been the resolute manner in which the people of the Motherland stood firm in tire greatest crisis in the history of wond freedom. By their faith and courage thev held the way to life and hope for millions of oppressed people and the freedom for tne whole world.”

To Mr J. B. Chifley, Mr Eraser gave an assurance that New Zealand would never forget the stand the Australians made against the tide of Japanese aggression and the hope that was kindled when Australia won in New Guinea the first Allied land battle against the Japanese. New Zealanders would always remember Australia's response to the inspiring call of the late Prime Minister, Mr J. Curtin, for an all-out war effort.

To President Truman Mr Fraser expressed heartfelt congratulations and added: “We are deeply conscious of the magnificent service the United States has rendered, not only to New Zealand and our neighbours in the Pacific, but to all freedom-loving nations in the world by their mighty contribution and that of President Roosevelt and yourselt to the downfall of all our enemies. We remember with warm hearts the sojourn of United States forces in our land while they were preparing for the initial blow against the Japanese at Guadalcanal. We rejoice particularly that the enterprise then begun from these shores has to-day been crowned with overwhelming success.” To General de Gaulle Mr Fraser expressed cordial good will and through him to the Government and people of France. “May abiding co-operation in the tasks of peace crown the memory of our past efforts and endurance.” Sendee Leaders To Sir Oliver Leese, Commander of the 14th Army. South-East Asia: “On the occasion of total victory against Japan and all our enemies, we remember with gratitude the special contribution you have made. We recall with pride the association of our division with you in Italy and the gallantry and success in arms of the armies that you have commanded against Japan in South-east Asia command our warmest thanks.” < To Admiral Nimitz Mr Fraser extended congratulations and through him to all ranks of the United States Navy: “whose heroism, imagination and re-

source have made certain victory in this bitter war against Japan. We are filled to-day with gratitude for your great achievement in securing final victory.” . „ . , > In a message to Vice-Admiral Calhoun Mr Fraser referred to New Zealand’s association with him ana Ins predecessors as commanders of tne South Pacific area. “We thank you for the great part played by you and all the men who served under your command.” , ~ „ In a message to General MacArthur Mr Fraser extended congratulations to all under General MacArthur’s command and added: “Your masterly planning of so many campaigns and their vigorous, gallant and successful execution, in spite of almost insuperable odds, will reveal the greatness in arms of the forces of the United States and their Allies.” .. To Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser the Prime Minister said: “The Government and people of New

Zealand recall with the warmest gratitude and admiration the gallant and effective part played by the men of the British Pacific Fleet in the defeat of Japan. We are proud that our own cruisers have served with vou. and to you and all under your command we extend our warmest congratulations and thanks.” To Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten: "Your forces have fought magnificently in the theatre which must be counted amongst the most difficult in which warlike operations have been conducted. The notable victories you and all your forces have achieved are striking evidence of the gallantry and heroism of British arms." Mr Fraser extended New Zealand s congratulations to Lord Louis Mountbatten and his command. Mr Fraser, in a message to Marshal Stalin said: “In the great struggle through which the world has passed we have been filled with admiration and gratitude for the magnificent achievements of the Red Army and the Soviet peoples. The solidarity which has marked the United Nations throughout the war will, we trust, continue for the benefit of all freedomloving peoples in the days to come .” Gratitude to Division To Lieut.-General Sir Bernard Freyberg: “At this historic moment when the defeat of all our enemies has been secured, our thoughts turn in gratitude and pride to the men and women of our forces and especially the Second New Zealand Division, which, under your gallant and distinguished leadership, has yielded such aid to the sum of victory, to you and all ranks under you the Government and people of New Zealand extend their warmest congratulations and thanks." Mr Fraser also sent a message to General Sir Thomas Blarney in which he referred to the achievements of the Australian forces and said New Zealanders were sure that the two Dominions would work together in peace and that the imperishable traditions of the Anzac would always endure.

"To-day Chinese flags are flying in every New Zealand town and every New Zealander is thinking with admiration and gratitude of the part the undaunted Chinese people have played in the overthrow of aggressive Japan." says Mr Fraser in a message to Marshal Chiang Kai-shek "We are deeply happy that China will now be able to concentrate upon the repair of the cruel ravages of war. The New Zealand Government and people will willingly co-operate with the Chinese people in plans to promote the welfare and security of the peoples of the Pacific and Far East."

Messages Sent by R.S.A. The following messages have been sent by the Dominion president of the R.S.A.. Mr B. J. Jacobs, on the occasion'of V-J Day:— To the King.—" Your comrades and loyal subjects of the New Zealand R.S.A. extend to you sincere congratulations upon the victorious conclusion of the war. and I convey to yqp and the Queen our profound admiration for your inspiring leadership and example through the long and anxious years involved." To Mr Attlee.—" Through you, as the leader of Great Britain, the New Zealand R.S.A. extends to your Government and people our unstinted admiration of their courage, endurance and perseverance during six long years now crowned with complete victory. To your country our Dominion owes its own safety. May the bonds of empire be strengthened by our common cause.” To General Freyberg.— On the final termination of hostilities I repeat to you and all ranks of. the Division the Associations previous messages of congratulation, pride and admiration, and then some more you all have surely added lustre to the name of New Zealand and have provided wonderful charter in history of the world." To Mr Churchill.—" The New Zealand R SA. reiterates sentiments regarding your good self expressed in my message for V-E Day and desires to convey to you its sincere regret that fortune ordained you not to be at helm of our empire for final termination of conflict. We again say we look forward to repating our complete sentiments to here here and in person.” Congratulatory messages were also sen' to President Truman. Lord Mountbatten. General MacArthur and a general message to New Zealand Services "wherever they may be "