Evening star., 1943-12-10
Roosevelt
Continued From First Page.)

front Of the guard Of honor, the
band struck up The Star Spangled
Banner" The President took the
saluate and the Stars and Stripes
broke out on the mast behind the
guard.
Addressing himself to Marshal
GOrt, the troops and the people OF
Malta, President Roosevelt said:
Nearly a year ago the Prime
Minister and I were at Casa blanca
shortly after the landing by British
and American troops In North
Africa, and at that time 1 told the
Prime Minister some day We would
once more control the whole of the
Mediterranean and that then I
would 60 to Malta.
For many months have wanted
on behalf Of the American people
to pay some little tribute to this
island and to all the people, both
civil and military, who during three
years Have contributed 70 much to
democracy, not just here but all over
the civilized world.
Strong Blows for Future.
so at last I have been able to
come At last I have been able to see
something Of this historic land and
I wish I could stay, but have many
things to do.
Il may tell you, though, that dur
ing these past three weeks the
Primer Minister and I feel we, too.
have struck strong blows for the
future Of the human race and 50 In
this simple way I am taking the
opportunity to do what all the
American people would Join with
me in doing"
After this talk the President read
the following from an Illuminated
scroll in 4 handsome wooden case
which, he said, was n citation from
the President OF the United States
speaking on behalf Of all the Amer
ican people"
In the name of the people Of the
United States of America I salute
the island of Malta and its people
and its defenders who in the cause
Of freedom and justice and decency
throughout the world have rendered
valorcus service far above and be-
yond the call of duty.
Under repeated fire from the
skies, Malta stood alone and un-
afraid in the center OF the sea, one
tiny bright flame in the darkness. a
beacon Of hope in the clearer days
which have come.
"Malta's bright story Of human
fortitude and courage will be read
by posterity with wonder and graft
tude through all the ages.
What was done in this island
maintains all the highest traditions
Of gallant men and women who
from the beginning OF time have
lived and died to preserve civilisa-
ton for all mankind.
Signed,
"FRANKL1N D. ROOSEVELT.
president. December 7, 1s43."
Scroll Dated on Anniversary.
The President dated the scroll De-
cember 7, the day before his visit
because 1t was the second ami
versary Of Americas entry into the
war
The United States will proceed
until the war is won" Mr. Roosevelt
told his listeners. But more than
that. We will stand shoulder to
cb bo,,1Iar with &hn nr;tish ~, n;rs
and our other Allies in making 1t a
victory worth while"
Replying, Marshal Gort said the
people of Malta were very sensible
Of the greatness OF this occasion "
and that it was day they would
never forget.
No one can be asked to do more
in war than fulhll his or her duty
none can do less" he added. And
that you and the citizens OF the
United States Of America should
feel the armed forces and people
Of this island have not failed the
United Nations is In itself 4 full
reward"
The islands Governor then asked
the Presidents consent to reproduce
the citation in bronze and place it
in Valletta's Palace Square, where
1T will stand in all weathers as a
permanent monument OF this great
and unique occasion"
The whereabouts OF the President
had not been disclosed since he and
Mr.. Churchill conferred in Cairo De-
cember As with President Ismet
1nonu of Turkey. Before that he
and Mr.. Churchill had visited Te-
heran, Iran, November 2S-December
l, to confer with Premier Stain
following talks November 1926 In
Cairo with Generalissimo Chang
kai-shek.
There Is ne such thing ~ q blood
less victory. Yours. too, Is needed
by Blood Donor Center. Call Dis
frfcf S200 "a LA