STEADY SPIRIT OF BRITISH

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 234, 30 June 1944, Page 6

STEADY SPIRIT OF BRITISH

Foundation Of Victory DEPARTING PREMIER IMPRESSED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 28. •‘I count it a great privilege and an unforgettable experience to have been on this aide of the world at such a a time—both in Italy, inhere 1 saw for myself the break-through atter Cassino, and was able to visit Rome soon after it fell, and also in Britain, where I have been shown something of the extraordinary preparation for the Invasion of France, and have been able to follow its progress freely,” said Mr. Fraser before he left London for Canada on his return journey to New Zealand. , Mr. Fraser said he had never known of a people who watched so great an undertaking in so sober a spirit “s the people of Britain followed the first three weeks of the battle in the west. ’I hate seen no signs of premature rejoicing nor over-optimism among them. he said. "They had been waiting long .for the moment of attack, and it was no suti.ise to them. They knew it could l>tt from them only the suspense of waitin, and not the burden of war. They had steeled themselves to face possible setbacks, and they knew the fight would be hard. They remain prepared to meet reverses that may be still m store for them. But they feel confident, as I do, that at least the foundations of victory have been laid.” Nazi Weapon Failing; , Mr. Fraser said that the flying bomb was having no effect whatever on the course of the war. The damage G caused was not comparable with the German air attacks of 1940 and 1941 and even last February, nor with the tremendous day and night blows our a ir forces were dealing the enemy. Above all, as a propaganda weapon designed to "“'’ermine the morale of the people of Britain, it had proved a complete failure. Mr Fraser said he would. go back to New Zealand with a heartening message from the British people. I leave Britain with my confidence in its P«’P le ’4* wartime leaders, and its future co n firmed and strengthened. I go away with the sincerest hope, that when tne time comes for me to visit this country again it will be to help put this war and all wars behind us and plan and work for the greatest era of security, progress and prosperity known to mankind. N.Z. Forces’ Spirits. On the eve of his departure Mr. Fraser remarked how impressed he had been with the excellent spirits of the New Zealand soldiers, sailors, and air-. men he had met, and the esteem in which they were held, and the hospitality extended to them here. . Mrs. Fraser, who had visited several air stations with him, and others while, he was in Italy, had the same pleasing impressions.