WELCOME TO MR CHAMBERLAIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 301, 1 October 1938, Page 7

WELCOME TO MR CHAMBERLAIN.

GREAT CROWD AT HESTON. A MESSAGE FROM THE KING. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10.14 a.m.) LONDON, September 30. Two hours’ before Mr Chamberlain was due, the roads to Heston were blocked with cars and pedestrians. A great crowd filled the enclosure. Notable people waiting at the airport included the High Commissioners for New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Count Grandi (Italian Ambassador), Dr. Kordt (German Charge d’Affaires) and Baron von Selzan, from the German Embassy. Despite heavy rain, children lining the roadway outside the aerodrome gates waved flags. The Earl of Clarendon handed a message from the King to Mr Chamberlain as he stepped out of the aeroplane at 5.40 p.m., waving his hat enthusiastically. Mr Chamberlain responded to thunderous cheers, in which Viscount Halifax led members of the Cabinet. Hastily-prepared banners, inscribed “Welcome!” “Thanks!” and ‘‘‘Well Done!” were displayed at the aerodrome. Mr Chamberlain said: “There are only two things I want to say. First, I received an immense number of letters in the anxious days—letters of support, approval and gratitude. I cannot tell you what encouragement they have been to me. I want to thank the British people for what they have done. Next I want to say that the setlement of the Cechoslovakian .problem, now achieved, is only the prelude to a larger settlement in which all Europe may find peace. Herr Hitler and myself regard last night’s agreement and the Anglo-German naval agreement as symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war again.” Holding up a paper, Mr Chamberlain said: “Here is the document which bears the German Chancellor’s name as well as mine. This morning I had another talk with Herr Hitler.”

Mr Chamberlain then read again the communique issued earlier, dealing with his meeting with Herr Hitler to-day. He added: “We resolved that the method of consultation shall be. the method adopted to deal with any other question that may concern our two countries. We are determined to continue our efforts to remove possible 1 sources of difference and thus contribute in ensuring the peace of Europe.”' Mr Chamberlain’s speech was greeted with another outburst of cheering. Crowds Check Pace of Car. Before his car had gone 100 yards the crowd broke the police cordon and swarmed around the car, thumping the windows, cheering Mr Chamberlain and singing, “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Cries of “Well done, Neville,” and “God bless you!” followed. Mounted 'police gradually cleared the way, but for the first mile from the airport the car could move at only a snail’s pace. Crowds waited two hours in rain outside the Palace, where Mr Chamberlain arrived at 6.50 p.m., and was taken to the private apartments, in which he was received by their Majesties. Ten minutes later Mr and Mrs Chamberlain appeared on the Palace balcony. ,The King motioned Mr Chamberlain forward. He stood in front while the enthusiasm of the crowd reached new heights. It was probably the greatest welcome of any visitor to the Palace. Earlier the crowd broke the police cordon and mobbed the car in Victoria Street, delaying the Prime Minister’s arrival at the Palace for nearly half an hour. Crowds sang “God Save the King” as their Majesties and Mr Chamberlain left the balcony, after which Mr Chamberlain had a discussion with the King. He left the Palace at 7.72 p.m. The crowd in Whitehall was delirious as the car appeared. Mr Chamberlain, speaking from the first floor window of No. 10 Downing Street said: “My good friends, this is the second time in our history that we have returned with peace with honour to Downing Street from Germany.” He added, amid thunderous cheering: “I believe it is peace for our time. We' thank God from the bottom of our hearts!’' At which the crowd shouted : “We thank you. God bless you!” Mr Chamberlain, waving his hand, said: “Now I‘recommend you all to go home and sleep quietly in your beds.”