VICTORY CERTAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 December 1943, Page 4

VICTORY CERTAIN

BUT NOT VET ROUND CORNER NEED FOR UNABATED EFFORT PRIME MINISTER’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE. 'l’o PEOPLE OF DOMINION. (By Telegraph— Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. In a Christmas message to the people of New Zealand published in the official Labour newspaper, the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) says those, in any section of the people, who imagine the war is already won and that they can now slack or push their own demands recklessly, and without consideration of the effect on the country or its war effort, arc simply living in a fool’s paradise, and that if the cause of democracy is to be defended they must and will be met with firm resistance from the Government. “It is the fifth war Christmas, and I am afraid not yet the last,” says Mr Fraser. The year 1944 will be another war year, but victory will be much nearer before its close.”

Reviewing Allied victories and war conferences in 1943, Mr Fraser adds: “As 1944 dawns, the United Nations are on the road to victory. This is the message the year 1943 hands on to the New Year. It is sufficient to reinforce confidence in us all, without encouraging foolishness or complacency.” Paying tribute to the achievements of New Zealand’s fighting forces and the forces of the Empire and Allies in all theatres, Mr Fraser says: “1943 has been a memorable year in the progress of the war. The flow of the tide of conflict has turned in favour of the United Nations. Italy has been knocked out as a belligerent, Germany is experiencing such blows as the Nazis never contemplated. Japan clearly is anxious about the magnitude of its h’opeless attempt to subjugate the multitudinous races in the Far East and to loot the wealth of the Orient. Let us enter the New Year with grateful, but not foolish or blind optimism. Each month of the past year has added proof .of the certainty of victory for the United Nations, but victory is not just round the corner.” The victory which was essential if mankind was to be saved would take a very considerable time yet and would involve much suffering, bloodshed, sacrifice and endurance, Mr Erased declared. “We must steel ourselves for the further struggle, which may extend over several years yet,” he continued. “I fervently pray it won’t. I hope that the most airy optimists are right and that a speedier end to hostilities than I can see at the moment will come. Therefore I hope, as we all earnestly hope, that next Christmas Day will dawn on a world at peace, but if not we must still fight on and on until the world is freed from Nazi and Fascist tyrants and the tyranny which threatened .to overwhelm mankind. This Dominion will continue to give of its best in every way to win the war and gain absolute security for our people. As Prime Minister, I take this opportunity to record by gratitude for the support of our war effort in its many phases given by all sections of the community. That loyal support must continue, if we are to give our utmost contribution to •achieving victory. The immediate ana sometimes selfish interests of this or that section must be subordinated to the interests of our war effort, whic carries with it not only the highest good of all our people, but the hope for the world.”