Mr Holland Visits The Queen

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26656, 15 February 1952, Page 7

Mr Holland Visits The Queen

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

(Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, February 14. Queen Elizabeth sat talking alone with Mr Holland by her fireside for nearly an hour when she received the New Zealand Prime Minister in audience at Buckingham Palace.

Her Majesty asked him to assure New Zealand that she and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit the Dominion just as soon as the tour can be arranged.

After leaving the Palace, Mr Holland went to No. 10 Downing Street, where he lunched with Mr and Mrs Churchill. Only four other guests were present: Lord and Lady Salisbury and Lord and Lady Portal. The two Prime Ministers talked for two and a half hours and Mr Churchill gave Mr Holland his assessment of the international situation.

“The more I see of the Royal Family, the more I admire them. The more I see Mr Churchill, the greater the regard I have for him," said Mr Holland.

“The Queen received me in a drawing room alone. There were just the two of us and we sat by the fireside. As well as I was able, I extended to the Queen the sympathy of the People <jf New Zealand, together with the unswerving loyalty of the Dominion to the Thrqne find to the Queen personally.

“My impression of the Queen was one of simple grace and dignity, natural charm and stateliness and of composure in her deep grief. After I had spoken the Queen said that the messages of sympathy and understanding she had received from New Zealand and other parts of the Empire had helped to sustain her at this time. She asked me to assure the people of New Zealand of three things: “(1) That their messages had been a great help to her. '• (2) How grieved she was that her tour had been cancelled. “(3) That she and her husband will come to New Zealand just as soon as it can be arranged. Tear Net Cancelled “She asked me to emphasise that the tour had merely been postponed and not cancelled. "There is nobody who is carrying a heavier burden of responsibility at this moment than Queen Elisabeth ll,’’ Mr Holland added. “But, during my talk, Her Majesty’s first thoughts were for - others. Her exact words were ‘I have a Job to do, but it is very hard on my mother and my sister.' “The Queen spoke to me for a full half-hour about matters of general interest concerning New Zealand. Her Majesty has most obviously studied New Zealand affairs, and she asked me many questions concerning the welfare of our country. I assured her that the people of New Zealand will rejoice when I tell them that she is determined to make her visit to the Dominion and that she would receive a great welcome whether she comes soon or later.” Of his visit to Mr Churchill, Mr Holland said: “Mr Churchill was looking extremely well and it was a very great thrill for me to meet my old friend again. He gave me a most valuable run over the international situation and discussed his talks in the United States and his assessment of affairs generally. We also talked about my audience with the Queen and the situation in the Middle East. Mr Churchill said he was also interested to know of the impressions b had gained froin my visit to Germany.” ’

During the day Mr Holland also received a deputation representing English interests wishing to participate in the Murupara newsprint scheme. “I shall be reporting to the Cabinet on this subject," said Mr Holland.