"WILL FIGHT TO THE LAST"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 120, 23 May 1941, Page 7

"WILL FIGHT TO THE LAST"

Encouragement For N.Z. Troops

(Rec. 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 22. The New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, commenting in Cairo on the report that the Germans are using New Zealand uniforms, said:

"It will only serve to infuriate our troops and to encourage them to fight to their last breath to exterminate the invaders." — U.P.A.

number of caiques—Greek boats — which probably contained troops intended for landing operations, were sunk, and an enemy destroyer which was escorting the convoy was also sunk.

"During the course of the day much larger attempts were made by the enemy to carry an army into Crete, and a convoy of 30 vessels was discerned this morning by our forces and was presumably attacked. The convoy turned away towards an island of the archipelago and was being attacked by our destroyers and light forces, but I have not received any further information as to what happened, except that there has been a great deal of fighting during the day.

"Enemy air forces attacked our ships which were attacking the convoy, but I am sorry that I have no definite information of the result. I feel, however, that it can hardly be other than satisfactory, in view of the naval forces which we have disposed in the Mediterranean zone."

Replying to a members' suggestion that an expression of admiration and confidence should be sent to the British troops in Crete, Mr. Churchill said: "I certainly will send the wishes of encouragement and approval of the House to those men who are fighting what is undoubtedly a most important battle."—B.O.W.