LOVE OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 178, 31 July 1940, Page 5

LOVE OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM

QUEEN WILHELMINA’S FAITH IN FINAL VICTORY NEW 8.8. C. DUTCH BROADC AST PROGRAMME [ British Official Wireless. | RUGBY, July 29. Broadcasting in a new Dutch programme inaugurated by the 8.8. C., Queen Wilhelmina described the war as a struggle between good and evil, in which her people had become innocent victims. Recalling the past history of her country, she said: “Just as in earlier days neither force of arms nor flags of State, nor impoverishment and suffering have ever succeeded in exterminating our love of liberty and our freedom of conscience and religion, so I remain convinced that once again we and all those of whatever nation who think like us shall emerge from this ordeal strengthened and chastened through our sacred sufferings.

“Even although the enemy has occupied our native soil, the Netherlands will carry on the war until the morrow of a free and happy future dawns for us. Our beloved flag flies proudly on the seas, in the great Netherlands in the east and west. Side by side with our Allies our gallant men continue the struggle.” The overseas empire, Queen Wilhelmina said, had never been more closely attached to the Mother Country, and with unshakable unity it intended to vindicate the freedom and independence of all Netherlands territories. “I call on my compatriots at home and wherever they be, however dark and difficult the times may be,” she said, “to keep faith in the final victory of our cause, a cause which is strong not only because it is served by strength in battle, but also because of the profound belief that our most sacred values are at stake.”