ACROSS EUROPE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 100, 22 January 1936, Page 15

ACROSS EUROPE

Big Ben Heralds Death Bulletin SORROW OF NATIONS Tributes From All Foreign Capitals SYMPATHY WITH EMPIRE By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received January 21, 5.5 p.m.)] London, January 21. The British United Press Geneva correspondent says that, resounding with foreboding clarity across Europe, the chimes of Big Ben at 12.15 a.m., which was 1.15 a.m. at Geneva, heralded the death bulletin from the wireless in Mr. S. M. Bruce’s silent hotel room with greater intensity because the streets were empty. In the damp, cold air, Mr. Bruce, his wife and staff stood silent. Mr. Bruce has cancelled all the entertaining he intended giving thg President and League Council. A Paris message says the news spread like wildfire. Small scattered groups stood bare-headed in the streets. The King is mourned throughout the country, not only as a model constitutional monarch but as a great and very popular English gentleman. A Spokesman at the Quai d’Orsay, after hearing the 9.30 p.m. bulletin, said: “It is terrible. It is a catastrophe.” M. Lebrun, the President, was deeply moved. Grief ©f German People. Herr Hitler, says a Berlin message, was immediately informed of the King’s death and dispatched condolences. The following official message was circulated: — “The death of the King has .evoked grief among the entire German people. The four sons of the King are well known in Germany, apd may be sure of our heartiest sympathy. Although his Government stood against us in the war, the German people esteemed th# King as a chivalrous man who proved a notable opponent and was ready, immediately after the war, to do his best to rebuild the broken bridges between nations.” Herr Hitler has also sent the following message to the Prince of Wales: — “The news deeply grieved me. I beg your Majesty to accept my own and my Cabinet’s sympathy and the assurance that the whole German nation mourns with me.” Herr Hitler also sent a message to the Queen and ordered flags to be flown half-mast. King Victor Emanuel, of Italy, sent heartfelt condolences to Queen Mary, and ordered Court mourning. Signor Mussolini also sent a SRgC, The Pope expressed great sorrow. He recalled that the King personally told him that Roman Catholics were among his best subjects. An earlier message from Rome stated that the “Giornale d’ltalia,” in a frontpage article, says that Italy is following the King’s illness with sincere concern. “No matter what may be the hostility by certain British parties against Italy,” it states, “we cannot forget that King George, who was our ally in the World War, is a King with great virtues, a deep sense of responsibility and devotion to public affairs.’’ Belgium Remembers. A message from Brussels states “L’e Soir” says: “Having but recently lost their beloved King, the Belgian people can appreciate better than other European nations the feelings of the entire British race. King George, like King Albert, was the head of a family composed of all his subjects.” Vienna dispatches state that crowds gathered outside the newspaper offices waiting for news. Broadcasting stations stopped all dance music. The Emperor of Japan sent a message stating that he joins with the British people in mourning. . The News in America. A New York message says the official announcement from London of the death of King George was received in America shortly after 7 p.m., and by means of newspaper extras and radio the news of the passing of the monarch quickly spread throughout the nation. Deep sorrow and wide expressions of grief were expressed in official circles at Washington where he was esteemed as a ruler who well justified the reverence in which he was held by his people and the exceptional popularity he enjoyed. '/ ( Official messages of condolence aje being sent to the appropriate authorities in London by President Roosevelt and Mr. Cordell Hull, Secretary .of State. In the absence of Mr. R.. Bingham from London,- it is expected-that President Roosevelt will designate a special ambassador to represent hinr at the funeral.. . • > : ■ ' DE VALERA’S TRIBUTE Opening - of Ulster Parliament Recalled ■ — . . • ■ (Received January 21, §.35 p.m.) < London, January 21. Mr. De Valera’s organ,- “The Irish Press,” says: “We do ”ifbt know the King’s private ’ .'feelings toward the Irish • struggle, but we do know on the authority of Genera! Smuts flmt when his Majesty was about to open the Ulster Patliaiiient lie was so dissatisfied with the speech prepared for him by the B’ritLli Cabinet that ho declined to deliver it. and commissioned General Smuts to make a fresh, draft. That new speeVh was a plea for extending the hand of friendship.”

According to messages from Bermuda, Jamaica and other colonies, the announcement of the King's death was noted by the tolling of church bells atid other expressions of sorrow.

Information has been received from London that places of entertainment there are closed to-day. afterward remaining open until the day of the I'nnerai. They will close that day until (1 p.m.