Mr. Chamberlain Returns To London

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 220, 17 September 1938, Page 11

Mr. Chamberlain Returns To London

WARMLY WELCOMED

TALK WITH THE KING FOR 70 MINUTES

MESSAGE TO THE NATION

(United Presa Association. Copyright.—Rec. 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, September 16. Mr. Neville Chamberlain departed from Berchtesgaden, where he had interviewed Herr Hitler, this morning. Steady rain fell on the journey to Munich, where he had lunch, afterward leaving for London. It is now suggested he will again meet Herr Hitler at Godesberg, on the Rhine between Cologne and Coblenz. Prior to taking off, Mr. Chamberlain, in a broadcast, said: "I am greatly gratified at the warmth and friendliness of my reception, not only by the Government, but by the people who came out into the streets to give me a welcome." The Prime Minister looked happy, and when farewelling Herr von Ribbentrop said: "Good-bye and thank you for all you have done." All the way from Munich to the airport police were posted at intervals of 150 yards. There was a guard of honour outside the aerodrome. Officials saluted Nazi fashion and Mr. Chamberlain took off his hat and bowed in response to good wishes. The Prime Minister arrived at Munich airport at 12.10 p.m. and left at 1 2.48. He landed at Heston aerodrome at 5.29. A letter from the King was handed to him on arrival. The King received Mr. Chamberlain at 9.30 to-night and Cabinet will meet at 1 I a.m. to-morrow. The Prime Minuter s audience with the King lasted for 75 minutes. A crowd of several thousand surged round the car as Mr. Chamberlain left the Palace. Despite the police, cheering people brought the car almost to a standstill. The Prime Minister appeared surprised at the enthusiasm. Further crowds awaited his arrival at Downing Street. Returned Quicker Than Expected. Mr. Chamberlain said: "I have come back rather quicker than I expected. If I had not been so preoccupied I would have found the trip most enjoyable. I had a frank talk with Herr Hitler and I feel satisfied now that each understands what is in the mind of the other. "I would advise you not to accept prematurely unauthorised accounts of what has happened during the conversations with Herr Hitler. I will discuss them to-night with my colleagues and others, especially with Viscount Runciman. Later, perhaps in a few days, I will go to have another talk with Herr Hitler. This time he is coming half-way to meet me. He wishes to spare an old man another long journey.** Mr. Chamberlain's message was broadcast to the nation from the aerodrome. The cheering of the crowds in their greeting almost drowned the sound of the engines. The German Charge d'Affaires, Dr. Kordt, welcomed Mr. Chamberlain. He said: "I hope you feel successful. At any rate, you have conquered the hearts of my countrymen." Lord Runciman arrived at Croydon from Czechoslovakia at 5.28. He said: 'It is a most delicate situation. It is on the knees of the gods."