WAR SESSION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1939, Page 9

WAR SESSION

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

OPENED BY THE KING

SPEECH FROM THRONE

{By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Received November 29, 11 a.m.)

LONDON, November 28.

His, Majesty the King opened Parliament's first war session without ceremony. The plan's were kept secret and their Majesties drove from Buckingham Palace in a closed car instead of the traditional glass

coach.

"The prosecution of the war commands the energies of all my subjects," said the King in his speech. "My Dominions overseas are participating wholeheartedly with an effectiveness which js most gratifying to me. My navies throughout the world, together with the merchant navy and the fishing fleets, are keeping, the highways1 of the sea free and open. My' armies and air forces are fulfilling their, tasks at home and abroad. I am well assured that they will be equal, to any efforts and sacrifices to which they may be called.

"The House of Commons, will be asked to make further financial provision for the conduct of the war. Grave responsibilities rest on you at this time. I am convinced you will expi'ess the nation's resolution.

"Measures which will be submitted to you are such as seem necessary to my advisers fof the welfare of my people and the attainment of the purpose upon which all our efforts are set. I pray that Almighty God will give His blessing to your counsels."

(British Official Wireless.) (Received November 29, 11 a.m.)

RUGBY, November 28

Contrary to expectations, the King opened the new session of Parliament in person. The announcement of the arrival of his Majesty, accompanied by the Queen, took members of both Houses by surprise.

Their Majesties drove unobtrusively to Westminster in a closed motor-car, with a police motor-cyclist escort, instead of in the Windsor coach drawn by Windsor greys. They were not attended by Yeoman of the Guard. A few minutes before their arrival the Duke of Gloucester in khaki and the Duke of Kent in naval uniform entered the Hous- of Lords! The Imperial Crown, which is usually taken to Parliament in a landau, with escort, went by a police motor-car. It was, as usual, carried in the procession from the Robing Room to the Chamber, the emblem being borne by Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield. Although all essentials were observed, there was none of the pageantry which attends the age-long ceremony in peace-time.