CERTAIN OF VICTORY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20957, 9 November 1939, Page 8

CERTAIN OF VICTORY

MR FRASER’S BROADCAST DETERMINATION OF BRITAIN COURAGE AND EFFICIENCY (United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt) LONDON, Nov. 8 The fact that Britain is facing the war situation with courage, determination, and efficiency, was emphasised by the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, in a broadcast address to the Empire. He said there was no fear as to the result of the war, which must be certain victory for democracy and freedom. Mr Fraser referred to the calmness, cheerfulness and confident determination of the British people, and said the wartime spirit of Great Britain was not one of vindictive revenge. There was a complete absence of aggressive jingoism, self glorification and hatred of the enemy. “The British Commonwealth is in such a strong position that there is no fear that the publication of peace terms would be misconstrued as a sign of weakness even by the most wilfully blind enemy, as has been so often the case with British peace efforts in the past,’’ said Mr Fraser, in mentioning that the Dominions Ministers would examine all possible formulas for a just and honourable peace. New Zealand's Help The Minister emphasised that New Zealand was determined to play her full part in the war and bring: to the common cause her utmost resources. He mentioned the handing over to the Admiralty of the New Zealand Squadron of the Royal Navy, and the extension of the scheme for the training of air pilots and observers, and said that on October 3 the first section of the New Zealand special force entered camp. The force was some 6600 strong, and eventually would amount to 15,000 men, who would be available for service at home or abroad wherever they were required. “In addition, the full productive resources of the Dominion are at the disposal of the British Commonwealth in its struggle for inter-

national freedom, equity and justice,” added Mr Fraser. Fine Spirit in Britain “This country has kept its head and its poise,” he continued. “It is most cheering to me, corning from the other end of the earth, to find the British people facing their problems with such courage and cheerfulness.” Mr Fraser said he had been struck also with the spirit of willing cooperation evident among the people, and from what he had seen he could say that the British Army, Navy and Air Force had never been more efficient and more ably commanded. The Minister mentioned also that he would have the opportunity of seeing members of the New Zealand anti-tank unit and would be glad to bring back messages to their relatives in the Dominion.