POLITICAL ASPECT OF QUEEN’S TOUR

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 13

POLITICAL ASPECT OF QUEEN’S TOUR

British-U.S. Unity Strengthened (N.Z Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, October 20. The Queen's visit to the United States has been not only a personal triumph, but a trip with diplomatic and political implications of far-reaching significance for British-American unity, according to many observers. While the Queen's constitutional role is under-, , stood, few have construed the timing of the Washington mission of the British Prime Minister (Mr-. Macmillan) coming immediately after the Royal visit. . as sheer coincidence. The events are seen in a single context. Observers have noted also that both President Eisenhower and the Secretary of State (Mr Dulles) • used occasions honouring the Queen to make declarations of major political importance.

On the night of the Queen's arrival, the President went beyond the limits of diplomatic language and protocol in proposing that British and American scientists work together. Against the background of Russia's dramatic reminder of the technical achievements of its scientists and engineers, many American and British official sources interpreted the President’s remarks as a significant policy pronouncement towards the reassertion of Western world leadership. The President’s speech followed his airport greeting to the Queen that her visit was “to us something of the most tremendous importance.”

Mr Dulles likewise has emphasised the importance and significance of the visit. “I think it will prove to be historic." he told the Queen at a State dinner, “if it leads, as I hope and believe it will, to our using more fully the great potentials which we jointly possess."

Tn a leading article headed "A Time to Stand Together" commenting on the visits of the Queen and Mr Macmillan, the “New York Times" today said: “We

have entered into one of those periods when Britain, the United States and the other democracies realise the urgencies that unite them and minimise the small matters that divide them.

“Neither country can afford the luxury of a totally independent course in its international affairs so long as the Russian danger exists in its present form. “We draw closer to the mother country in our hour of need, just as she draws closer to us." Reuter’s diplomatic correspondent says American political observers comment that the United States suddenly seemed to become aware of its loneliness in the face of the Soviet scientific breakthrough and badly wanted company to help it to meet the challenge.