THE KING’S SPEECH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1673, 10 February 1917, Page 3

THE KING’S SPEECH.

AT THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. London, Feb. 9. The King, in his speech, said: — “For the third time in succession I summon you to your deliberations in the midst of war. “Certain overtures, whereof you are aware, have been made by the enemy, with a view to opening peace negotiations. Their tenor, however, indicated no possible basis of peace. My people throughout the Empire, and my faithful and heroic Allies, remain steadfastly and unanimously resolved to secure their just demands for I’eparatiun and restoration in respect to the past, and guarantees for the tutui’e, which we regard as essential to the progress of civilisation. “In response to the invitation of the President of the United States, we outlined as far as possible at present the general objects necessarily implied by those aims. Threats of further outrages upon the public law and common rights of humanity but servo to steel our determination.

“During the winter mouths, my navy maintained unchallenged its ceaseless watch on the seas, rigorously enforcing the blockade on the enemy. My armies conducted successful operations, not only in Europe, hut in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and East Africa. They are fully prepared to renew the great struggle with the close and cordial co-opcra-(ion of our Allies in every field. “1 trust our united efforts will carry the successes already won to a ■ victorious conclusion.

“1 have invited representatives of the Dominions ami Indian Empire, which have borne so glorious a share in the struggle to confer with my Ministers on important questions of common interest relating to the war, and trust that step will lend to the establishment of closer relations of all parts of the Empire. “The accomplishment of the task where to 1 set my hand entails unsparing demands on the. energies and resources of all my subjects. I am assured, however, that the people will respond to every call necessary to the success of the cause with the same indomitable ardour and devotion that has tilled me with pride and gratitude since the war began. Therefore I confidently commend to your patriotism the measures which will be laid beforer you, and pray the Almighty mav bless vour counsels.”