PACIFIC DOMINIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 June 1941, Page 6

PACIFIC DOMINIONS

THANKED BY COLONEL KNOX FOR 'WELCOME GIVEN AMERICAN NAVY. DETERMINATION TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Juno 6. “I want to thank New Zealanders and Australians for the splendid reception accorded by thousands of cheering people to the officers and men of the United States Fleet, and for their lavish entertainment,” said Colonel Knox (Secretary to the Navy) in a special broadcast. “Your kindness has won the gratitude of Americans everywhere. Like you, we cherish a priceless heritage of the blessings of freedom and are keenly aware of the great sacrifices you have made and are inspired by the dauntless courage of your troops, who have so distinguished themselves in combat'. Our Pacific fleet is the most powerful armada afloat and is fully capable of protecting the interests of democracy in the Pacific. It is not in our nature to stand idlly by and watch the quick decay of everything worth while. When this country determines its course, it becomes the most co-ordinated power on earth. The American people have appropriated billions of dollars to arm democracy. They are even willing Lo assume sacrifices and give their lives, just as you have, to preserve the free institutions under which wo have both grown great.”