UNITED FIGHT AGAINST TYRANNY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20043, 15 September 1939, Page 3

UNITED FIGHT AGAINST TYRANNY

ALLIED STAND NAZI DESPOTISM • I- • TASK. OF EMPIRE LORD GALWAY'S VIEW HARDSHIP INVOLVED j CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY. FREEDOM FOR WORLD (Par Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. In a broadcast speech to the nation last night the Governor-General, Viscount Gaiway, said one could imagine that the struggle in. the war would be bitter. It might be long and it would involve hardship and suffering, but he was convinced that in the end right would prevail and out of the sorrow and suffering would emerge a world of freedom, “It must be clear to all that our quarrel is not with the German people themselves, but with the form of government which has tyrannised over them and, in particular, with one man, Herr Hitler, whose megalomania and ambition has brought about the war,” His Excellency said.

“Racially, we are of the same stock and have many points in common with the German people, but whereas England was sucessful in evolving constitutional government some GOO years ago, Germany was not so fortunate.

“Two hundred years ago Frederick, known as the great, reigned in Prussia and his unscrupulous tactics in grabbing, territory began a period during which the liberty of Poland was crushed. The partitioning of Poland which divided that country between Russia, Germany and Austria was without doubt a black page in the political history of Europe.

| p'russia played a,noble part in the Napoleonic Wars and in the first, part of the last century consolidated her position in north Genriany, but the ambitions of Bismark -were only 100 sucessful. :

“In 1864 ;hc, crushed Denmark and annexed Schleswig-Holstefh. In 1866 a short and victorious, war against Austria removed the rival kingdom of Hanover and made Prussia the undisputed leader of the German States .and led eventually to. the Franco-German war of 1870 when Alsace and Lorraine were added and Germany became the German Empire with the King of Prussia as emperor. "The influence of Bismark with his policy of blood and iron continued. The old Emperor lived to the age of 91 and on his death was succeeded by the Emperor Frederick, known as the wise, who was suffering from cancer and died after a reign of only three months. “The death of -Frederick was indeed a calamity to Germany, as with him died the last hope of Germany evolving a democratic and constitutional form of government. Bismark Traditions “During the reign of Wilhelm 11, the Bismark traditions were maintained. The military clique held immense influence and it was they who were directly responsible for the Great War of 1914-18. Now'again, after 25 years, Germany is ruled by the same spirit and by methods far more. tyrannical than Bismark ever conceived. You are all familiar with Germany’s repeated breach of treaties. “It is tour determination to restore peace and goodwill to these unfortunate people who have fallen under the despotism of Nazism ■ and when the dawn breaks we hppe to bring to Europe a feeling of security and to the Germany of the future a home for true culture and freedom and peace. Blood and iron do not make for peace and happiness.

“The recent torpedoing of the Athenia recalls to mind the dastardly sinking of the Lusitania and the world-wide revulsion against the German methods in the last war. Little imagination is required to picture two papers recently on Herr Hitler’s table awaiting signature, one expressing to President Roosevelt a denial that his Government had been responsible for the torpedoing of the Athenia and the other approving of the award of the Iron Cross to the commander of the submarine for his outstanding bravery in sinking an un-

armed and defenceless passenger ship. “The events of the past two years are too fresh in your minds to need any further recapitulation. The lust for conquest drives Herr Hitler on and on. The moment has arrived when the peoples of the world who wish to live in peace have determined to resist any further aggression and take steps before it is too late to preserve their own freedom and the Empire. “To this end the peoples of the Mother Country and of the Dominions and colonies are required to play their part and no doubt, this will call for sacrifice cn the part of each and all of us. The recent magnificent and immediate response of the young men of New Zealand to the call for volunteers for the special force being raised by the Government is something of 'which any country might well feel proud and is typical of this great Dominion and its people. None of us is able to say how long the war will last. We only know that in the end we will emerge victorious. God grant that the day may soon arrive.”