DUTCH ENERGY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 245, 13 September 1940, Page 7

DUTCH ENERGY

FIGHT FOR LIBERATION.

DONATION OF AIRCRAFT;

(United Press Association—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 10 a.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 12. Queen Wilhelmina anti her Ministers are already doing everything possible to begin immediately, as soon as the moment comes, the revictualling of the Netherlands with foodstuffs as well as raw materials for the economic restoration of the country.

“We fully appreciate,” said Queen Wilhelmina in a broadcast, “that notwithstanding our considerable merchant navy, it will not be possible to give everybody immediately what he wants, but we trust the Dutch solidity of the plan will guarantee a steady, mounting flow.” expressing her heartfelt thanks for the countless expressions of congratulation and affecting sympathy received on the occasion of her 60th birthday, Queen Wilhelmina said the commemoration had developed into an overwhelming demonstration for the restoration of the independence of the Netherlands, and the reunion in undisturbed freedom within the frame■work of the Dutch State of the Dutch community of 70,000,000 citizens. This was an historical fact of lasting significance. A people which had vitality and a strong will could not be subjugated merely by force of arms. “As a united people we endure this trial,” the Queen added. “New prool of this can bo found in the spontaneous generosity of the Netherlands East Indies for the Queen Wilhelmina Fund, which has been put at my disposal. The patriotism of the donors and their' strong will to win the war for the liberation of the Netherlands have given rise to their wish that part' of the contributions of a total of 5,000,000 gilders shall he spent on military purposes in the Allied struggle.

“In conformity with the intention of the donors, I have informed the King of Britain that they plan to give a number of military aeroplanes through the medium of the Prince Berhardt Fund, in which fund this amount will be deposited.

“The great demonstrations of unity and will to independence, together with such signs of national generosity and energy, cannot, hut lift us above the difficulties and sorrows of these days, and enable us to look with confidence to the future which, under God’s blessing, will give us all back a free and independent country.” The fund will be used to supply 40 Spitfires and IS Loekheed-Hudson bombers to the R.A.F.