In acknowledgment of his distinguished services to the peoples of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and in recognition of his attainment to eminent positions of responsibility in public service.
"After the part played by this country in the war, I feel assured that we are not destined to sag down into insignificance or confusion. That may indeed be our fate if we fail to stand together as we have done in the war. The war has proved our quality to the world. What is perhaps even more important - it has proved our quality to ourselves. It has given us a new sense of unity and national pride. There is no question here of a superiority complex: it is rather a matter of our having quiet confidence in each other.
I believe that the feeling which has been developed in this war will last into the difficult days following the war and into the more remote future. From my personal observation I can see that the surging tides of war have laid bare within this country great areas of sound feeling and good sense right through the broad masses of the people. That inspires one with high hope for the future."