FORCE UNITED

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21368, 12 March 1941, Page 8

FORCE UNITED

READY FOR ACTION DOMINION SOLDIERS MIDDLE EAST ARRIVALS CONTINGENT FROM BRITAIN The Prime Minister, the Rt. lion. P. Fraser, announced in the House of Representatives this afternoon that a contingent of New Zealand and Australian troops from the United Kingdom had arrived in the Middle East some time ago. “These troops have there joined other New Zealand and Australian units,” said Mr Fraser, and this accession further consolidates the Dominion forces. “The New Zealand Government was warmly appreciative of recep-r tic-n 3nd treatment accorded those New Zealand soldiers who have previously been domiciled in the Motherland,” continued Mr Fraser. It was glad to know that during the period the Dominion troops were m the United Kingdom they rendered valuable service in the defence of Britain. The time spent there was fully occupied in training and the experience gained, including association with British troops, would prove invaluable. They were entrusted with an important post under the Dover Command to meet any onslaught by the invaders and New Zealand was conscious of the honour conferred by this confidence in her soldier sons. Mr Fraser said that the safe convoy of the New Zealand and Australian troops to the Middle East from Britain had been an undertaking calling for skill and courage and it strengthened our faith in the efficiency and seapower of the British Navy. The re-union of the New Zealanders with their fellows in the Middle East was a notable event and the concentration of the troops would place at the disposal of the commanding officers, a highly-trained and well-equipped force. "There has been, in the past, some comment about thr noncmployment of New Zealand troops in major actions in the Middle East,*' said Mr Fraser. “Wherever and whenever they were called upon they were not only available but on every occasion they rendered service of outstanding value. “Now with the completion of the formation our well-trained troops are fully ready to answer any call and successfully withstand any challenge from the destroyers of democratic rights and liberties.”