SHOCKED BY TRAGEDY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21191, 14 August 1940, Page 8

SHOCKED BY TRAGEDY

MR CHURCHILL’S TRIBUTE WILL “CARRY ON” (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 14, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 13 The Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, in the House of Commons, referred to the death of the Australian Cabinet Ministers and high officers in an aeroplane accident. Mr Churchill said: “ We have all been shocked and grieved by the news of the lamentable and untimely loss which Australia and indeed the whole Empire and its cause have suffered. The sudden removal of these able, resolute men from the centre summit of war direction in Australia has inflicted an injury upon us which I can be at no pains to conceal. “ Australia has been robbed of some of her best and ablest sons at a moment when the gifts they had to offer were most precious. The House will wish to extend sympathy to the families and friends and to Mr Menzies, whose burden is already heavy, and in so doing we shall give voice to the sorrow which in so many lands will be felt by all to whom the cause of freedom is dear. “In this hour of battle there will be one other thought, equally spontaneous, equally widespread close the ranks and carry on.” A message of sympathy has been telegraphed by Mr Churchill to Mr Menzies in connection with the disaster. The message concluded: “We know how sorely you in Australia miss them. The loss is ours, too, for we have learnt by personal acquaintance and by our knowledge what they have achieved and how great has been their contribution not only to Australia but to the whole Empire.” LORD CALDECOTE’S TRIBUTE The sympathy of the Government • and people of the United Kingdom was conveyed to the Government and people of Australia by the Secretary i of State for the Dominion Affairs, Lord Caldecote. Lord Caldecote said the people of Britain mourned not only the loss of distinguished statesmen and a disi tinguished soldier, but of men who ! were well known in the United KingJ dom. Both in peace and in war these men had taken their full share in the life and history of the Commonwealth. On the sure foundations they had made, said Lord Caldecote, others would build securely until final victory was won. Lord Caldecote said: “It is difficult to find words to express our sorrow and distress in the face of such a blow. We mourn the death not only of distinguished statesmen and soldiers but of men who were personally well known here, close friends to many of us. The British Broadcasting Corporaj tion announcer said: “We in Lon- | don join with deepest sympathy in Australia’s mourning.”