CONGRATULATIONS TO HIS MAJESTY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 5

CONGRATULATIONS TO HIS MAJESTY

Symbol Of Empire Unity Addresses In Commons By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyrighi LONDON, Aug. 18. W hen the House of Commons met again alter the service at St. Margaret’s, Mr Attlee moved the address of congratulations to His Majesty on the achievement of final victory over our enemies. “When the address of congratulations was moved after the victory in the European war,” said Mr Attlee. ' few members of the House of Commons then thought that the end of the Japanese war would be so soon, or envisaged the changed conditions under which the present motion would be brought forward. „ „ "We have had a change of Government,” he continued, “but in the midst of the change there are things which remain unaltered. Among them is the loyalty and devotion of the House to his Majesty. I believe that the peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another has been carried out so smoothly and with such acceptance that it has been a valuable demonstration to the world of the working of real democracy.” , Mr Attlee said that Mr Churchill, speaking three months ago with eloquence that he could not emulate, drew a picture of his Majesty as the symbol of the unity of the British Commonwealth and Empire. "His Majesty and his gracious escort the Queen shared our anxieties, tribulations and suffering during the war. The shadow of bereavement has fallen on them as it has fallen on the homes of the people. Throughout they set an example of devotion never to be forgotten and strengthened the bond

uniting them to their people. However well and skilfully constitutions may be framed, they depend in the last resort on the willingness of human beings to make them work. Our British constitution works because the people understand it and know by long experience how to operate it. Constitutional monarchy depends for its success to a great extent on understanding the heart of the monarch. We in this country are blessed with a monarch who, as Mr Churchill said, combines an intense love of the country and all his peoples through his comprehension . of Parliamentary democratic constitution.” Brighter Radiance Mr Churchill, seconding the resolution, said: “Once again the British Common-wealth and Empire emerges safe, undiminished and united from the mortal struggle. The monstrous tyrannies which menaced our life have been beaten to the ground in ruin, and a brighter radiance illumines the Imperial Crown than any which our annals record. The King is the embodiment of the national will. His public acts involve all the might and power not only of the people of this famous island, but of all the British Commonwealth and Empire. The good cause for -which his Majesty contended and demanded the ardent effort of his subjects, spread over a fifth of the surface of the habitable globe, has now been carried to complete success, and total war has ended in absolute victory.” After the leaders of the Liberal and National Parties had supported the resolution, it was carried. The House of Lords passed a similar resolution.