LLOYD GEORGE’S MESSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1772, 5 January 1918, Page 3

LLOYD GEORGE’S MESSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND.

Wellington, Last Might

The Prime Minister lias received, through the Governor-General, Die following cablegram from Mr Lloyd George: — “At the beginning of a new year I wish to send, on behalf of the War Cabinet, to the Government and people of New Zealand a message of goodwill and confidence. We are now far on in the fourth year of the war, and despite many set-backs and many disappointments, we are also far on iji the path to victory. I have no doubt if the Allies stand Jirhi they will! not only restore liberty to Europe, but will give a lasting peace to the world. In the accomplishment of this great work no people will have played a greater part than those who are members of the British Commonwealth. Against their steadfast courage, the legions of autocracy have cast themselves in vain, and the Empire which the militarists of Prussia persuaded themselves would crumble at a blow has proved itself the most united and the most massive of the bulwarks of freedom, because it is itself sprung from the eternal soil of freedom. I have good hopes that before this new year is past the purpose to which we have set our hands will have been completely achieved.”

Mr Massey replied:—“l desire on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand to thank yon and the War Cabinet for your New Year’s message of goodwill and confidence, which Avill be greatly appreciated by the citizens of the Dominion. Your opinion that we are far on in the path of victory is one in which New Zealanders share, and coming from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the statement will be hailed with additional pleasure, and will serve to strengthen still more the confidence already felt here. The people of New Zealand are proud to think that in the colossal struggle of the three and a-half years, British citizens have taken a leading part, and to-day the Empire is more firmly united than at any period in its history, while its people are more than ever determined to carry on to a victorious conclusion. We trust the Allies will stand together until a decisive victory has been gained, and that no terms will be considered which if agreed to may result in anything other than a permanent peace, and at the same time be a salutary warning to covetous and unscrupulous nations in the future.”