§ And afterwards His Majesty's most gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord Chancellor (in pursuance of His Majesty's Command) as followeth:—
§ "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
§ "For over a year My Forces by sea, land and air have been defending the cause of freedom. My people everywhere, enduring with fortitude in their homes and work places, and at sea, the brutal attacks of the enemy, have nobly sustained the common effort.
§ "By calculated treachery and violence Germany has brought under her yoke many free nations devoted to the arts of peace. I have been happy to receive here the Governments of countries thus overrun. I rejoice that their armed forces, together with brave men of other nations, are now fighting side by side with My own.
§ "In the early summer France, overtaken by military disaster, felt compelled to sue for terms of armistice. Taking advantage of French misfortunes Italy seized the opportunity to range herself with the aggressor and has now launched a wanton attack on Greece. I welcome in the struggle against tyranny a new comrade to whom My Empire will bring all possible aid. By her courageous resistance Greece is proving herself worthy of her glorious past.
§ "My Forces in the Mediterranean are prepared to give a good account of themselves in all emergencies, and My country enjoys, in that region, the benefit of valued Treaties of alliance with Egypt and Turkey.
§ "It was with gratification that I learnt of the decision of the Government of the United States to transfer fifty destroyers to My Navy, and I trust that the grant to that Government of defence facilities in certain territories on the Atlantic seaboard may equally serve to defend the heritage of free men.
740§ "Members of the House of Commons,
§ "I thank you for the provision you have made towards the increasingly heavy costs of war. The readiness of My people to accept these burdens confirms Me in My belief that they will think no financial sacrifice too great to ensure the triumph of our cause.
§ "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.
§ "I am glad that despite the heavy preoccupations of the war My Government have found it possible to promote various measures for improving social conditions in this country.
§ "The frustration of German plans for the invasion of Britain, the attacks upon the sources of German military power, the firm defence of Egypt and the Sudan and the successful attack upon the Italian Navy give proof of our strength, and justify our confidence in final victory.
§ "The present war is not only a struggle between nations. It springs from the clash of fundamental ideals. We shall not falter or lay aside our arms until the high purposes, to which we have pledged our faith, are achieved.
§ "I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your labours."
§ After which the LORD CHANCELLOR said:
§ MY LORDS, AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.—By virtue of His Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed we do, in His Majesty's name and in obedience to His Commands, prorogue this Parliament to the day in the said Commission mentioned, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to the said day in the said Commission mentioned.
§ End of the Fifth Session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the fourth year of the Reign of His Majesty King George VI.