(_December 7, 1918_)
(This message was cabled to the United States on the day set
apart for publicly acknowledging the achievements of the
British Empire in the Great War.)
The achievements of the British Empire for humanity are too manifold
to enumerate in a short message. Entering the war to defend the rights
of nations, she has unhesitatingly given her sons and her wealth.
Gathered from her loyal dominions, the men of the British Empire have
carried their victorious eagles over many a bloody field. Steadfast in
adversity, wounded with a thousand wounds, Britain's hammer blows have
never weakened or faltered. But for the tenacity of her people the war
would have been lost.
To those of us who have been associated with them and who have fought
beside their gallant troops, words of praise seem inadequate to express
our admiration. These things our kinsmen have done, and these things
have brought an inseparable union between them and ourselves. To the
British people, we extend our thanks for the powerful aid her navy
has given, and offer our great respect for the resolute Anglo-Saxon
determination with which she has held on, and we offer our right hand
of friendship that our two nations may be more firmly linked together
to insure the future peace of the world.