THE KING'S CALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 September 1939, Page 5

THE KING'S CALL

BROADCAST TO THE NATION Peaceful Way Out Sought in Vain STATEMENT OF ULTIMATE ISSUE BONDAGE OF FEAR TO BE BROKEN (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Dav, 10.40 »a.m.) RUGBY, September 3. Broadcasting to the nation this afternoon, his Majesty the King, said: — “For the second time in the lives of most of us, we are at war. Over and over again we have tried to find a. peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies, but it has been in vain. We have been forced into conflict. “We are called upon, with our Allies, to meet the challenge of a principle which, if it were to prevail, would be fatal to any civilised order in the world. It is a principle which permits a State, in its selfish pursuit of power, to disregard its treaties and its solemn pledges, which sanctions the use of force or the threat, of force against the sovereignty and independence of other States. Such principle, stripped of all disguise, is surely the mere primitive doctrine that might is right, and if this principle were established throughout, the. world, the freedom of our own country and that of the whole British Commonwealth of Nations would be in danger. But far more than this—the peoples of.' the world would be kept in a bondage of fear and all hopes of settled peace and of -security, of justice and liberty among nations would be ended. This is the ultimate issue which confronts us. “For the sake of all we ourselves hold dear, and of world order and peace, it is unthinkable that we should refuse to meet this challenge. “It is to this high purpose that I now call upon my people at home and across the seas, who will make our cause their own. We can only do right as we see right and reverently commit our cause to God. If one and all we keep resolutely faithful to it, ready for whatever service or sacrifice it may demand, then, with God’s help, we shall prevail. May He bless and keep us all.’’