Christmas in Iceland - 15.12.1940, Page 4

Christmas message from the Publisher
We are in a unique position, for we are writing an editorial for a magazine
of which there will only be one number. At least we hope so. Not that we wish to
seem impolite in that we suggest that the British Forces will not be here next
Christmas. We only hope — hope earnestly — that come next Christmas, Britain
will have restored a just peace.
In the meantime Britain has occupied Iceland — an island which must appear
to you all rather bleak, cold, and castaway from your usual environments. But
we Icelanders love it, desolate as it may look in certain parts, and we look for-
ward to the time when world conditions allows us to guide our own affairs again
un-aided.
But the occupation has in many ways been a happy one. It has brought
many material advantages to the country. Employment figures have soared, and
to-day money is flowing more freely than ever before in Iceland. Un-employment
is no longer a problem. Work has been provided by the British Authorities in
plenty and labour is paid for as stipulated by Iceland’s Trade Unions.
And more. Our fishing fleet, part of which was laid up before the war, is now
engaged in a profitable but somewhat hazardous trade with one of Britain’s
North West fishing ports. Constantly these small ships brave the now added perils
of the sea to keep the people of the British Isles supplied with fresh fish.
Now we are in the midst of winter — a winter which has so far indicated
it intends to be severe. Rain, sleet, snow, frost, and howling winds are always
to be expected. Accordingly we hope that you will be provided with amusements
in plenty to tide you over the dreary winter evenings.
With winter ahead we thought that a magazine with colour, stories — both
serious and humourous — gossip, and some information on Iceland generally
would be appreciated by the troops — especially from the souvenir point of
view.
It was with this in mind that we have published “Chrismas in Iceland — 1940”.
Unfortunately only seven days have been available in which to write and coll-
ect material for the publication, the paper shortage is so acute that paper — in-
ferior to that previously decided on — had to be used, colourings and blocks have
risen tremendously in cost. Everything was against us publishing the article we
had in our minds.
Nevertheless we are sure you will agree that the magazine has “content”.
And for that we shall be forever grateful to our journalist colleagues in the
British Force in Iceland, who have worked constanly all week writing, translat-
ing, and editing the many and well varied articles now set before you. And our
soldier artists who have, despite the very short notice given them, turned out
drawings and sketches which are definitely in our opinion right up to top mark.
In conclusion. We hope you will like our “Christmas in Iceland” although
it might not come quite up to your expectations of a Christmas number. We
earnestly hope, however, that it will be good enough to rank, many years later,
as one of your“No 1” souvenirs of Iceland.
We wish you all a very happy Christmas and peace in the New Year.
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CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND