§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, I beg to suggest that the House do now adjourn during pleasure in order to proceed to the Royal Gallery, where His Majesty will receive Addresses of Congratulation from Parliament on the victorious conclusion of the Japanese war. After the Royal Party have left, the Commons will withdraw first and we shall remain in our places. The Lord Chancellor will then lead the procession back to the House, and the business on the Paper will be taken later.
House adjourned during pleasure, and proceeded to the Royal Gallery to present to His Majesty the Address of Wednesday last.
His Majesty's Reply to the Addresses of Congratulation from Parliament; delivered to the Members of both Houses, was as follows:
§ "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
§ "It gives me great pleasure to meet you here to-day, with representatives of the Dominions, India and the Colonies, and to thank you for your loyal Addresses of Congratulation on the victorious conclusion of the war.
§ "Together with all the freedom-loving peoples of the world we rejoice in the surrender of the last enemy, Japan. This war against Japan has been fought far from the shores of these islands, but I am proud that my people in this country have contributed in full measure to the victory achieved. My peoples and those of my Allies in the 88 Far East are now, thank God, freed from the Japanese yoke, and our prisoners of war and civilian internees can be released from their captivity.
§ "In this moment of final victory, let us first pay tribute to the Armed Forces, to whose courage, endurance and sacrifice our debt is immeasurable.
§ "My Navies in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, side by side with the Fleets of my Allies, have regained total command of the sea. The British Pacific Fleet, including units of the Royal Canadian, Royal Australian and Royal New Zealand Navies, has fought its way in comradeship with the American Navy to the heart of the Japanese Empire. My East Indies Fleet, including ships of the Royal Indian Navy, has driven the enemy from the Indian Ocean and given powerful support to the Armies in Burma.
§ "The Armies of the British Commonwealth and Empire have steadfastly endured the dangers and hardships of tropical warfare serving together in a spirit of brotherhood which will prevail through the years to come.
§ "Ever since the men of the Australian Imperial Forces inflicted upon the Japanese land forces in New Guinea the first reverse which they had suffered, our Armies and those of my Allies have pressed hard upon the enemy. It is, I think, proper to pay particular 'tribute to the gallant forces from the United Kingdom, India, East and West Africa and from the hills of Burma who, under conditions of almost unbearable severity, liberated Burma in a campaign of outstanding brilliance. In this campaign, the medical and nursing services have added yet another glorious page to their splendid record throughout the war.
§ "The Royal Air Force, together with the Dominion, Royal Indian and Allied Air Forces, has won historic victories in the air and has shared to the full in our successes on land and sea. Just as our hearts go out to those few whose spirit and achievement first sustained us in the Battle of Britain so also do we pay tribute to those who, with power grown to match their bravery, have taken their place in the last great offensives of the Allies.
89§ "The dangers of the war-rime ocean have not deterred the Merchant Navy and the men of our fishing fleets from carrying out those tasks without which our military effort would have failed for lack of supplies, and our people at borne would have starved.
§ "Let us remember the debt we can never repay to those who have given their lives that we might live in freedom. Once again, the Queen and I offer our heartfelt sympathy to all those to whom the war has brought bereavement.
§ "Under God's Providence, victory over Germany has been swiftly followed by this crowning mercy of victory over Japan. Peace is restored at last to a world weary of the horrors and privations of war.
§ "My people at home have endured the dangers and shared the toils of war, and have cheerfully accepted deprivation and discomfort in order to fulfil the task of equipping our forces.
§ "To the women of Britain I would pay especial tribute. In industry and the Services they have played their full part. In the home they have willingly accepted anxiety and long hours of toil to care for their menfolk and their children in sickness and in health.
§ "I am especially glad to acknowledge the unfailing support in men, materials and food given throughout the war by all parts of my Commonwealth and Empire. They have suffered and struggled with us, and with us they share the joy of victory.
§ "I am proud to honour the great and gallant Allies with whom we have been linked in the struggle against aggression; the United States of America and the Soviet Union, whose great Armies and resources have contributed so largely to the victory, and the people of China, who for eight years have withstood the savagery of the invader. We salute the great company of nations, large and small, who have contributed to the limit of their power to the restoration of peace on earth.
§ "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.
§ "The time of destruction is ended; the era of reconstruction begins. To this great and difficult task we are resolved to contribute all that is in our 90 power. The new and terrible force which was unleashed against Japan makes it more than ever necessary that the Grand Alliance of Nations should endure and prosper, so that the nations of the world may, with God's grace, live in that peace and fellowship through which alone they can ensure their salvation. It is my most fervent hope that we are entering upon an age of peaceful progress, wherein the natural talent and enterprise of my peoples can be devoted to the advancement of the happiness and prosperity of mankind."
§ House resumed.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD JOWITT)My Lords, it is my duty to report that this House attended in the Royal Gallery this day and presented an Address to His Majesty and His Majesty was pleased to make a most gracious reply.
§ House adjourned during pleasure and resumed at two o'clock.