AUSTRALIANS AMAZED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 58, 6 September 1943, Page 4

AUSTRALIANS AMAZED

MRS. ROOSEVELT'S ENERGY

CANBERRA, September 5,

Mrs. Roosevelt's charm and informality have won the hearts of the Australian people. On her arrival she indicated that she wanted a minimum of formal engagements and a maximum time to meet servicemen and servicewomen and the ordinary people of Australia. Her dynamic energy has amazed everyone.

In Canberra a crowded day yesterday began with a tree-planting ceremony at the United States Legation, followed by visits to service establishments, a conference with the Prime Minister, Mr. J. Curtin, a State luncheon, a reception given by the United States Legation, a national broadcast, and a dinner and reception at Government House. At-the end of this strenuous 15-hour day Mrs. Roosevelt was showing no signs of fatigue. Welcoming her at the State luncheon, Mr. Curtin said: "You have won a place that causes us to admire you and gives us an affection for you that symbolises the 'real link that exists between Australia and America. We welcome you in your own right and also as an ambassadress of your husband and the people of the United States."

Mr. Curtin presented, Mrs. Roosevelt with a photostat copy of Captain Cook's journal of his first voyage round the world in the Endeavour, as | a gift from the Australian people. In her reply, Mrs. Roosevelt made a plea for the spirit of world unity after the war. "The nations must not allow a repetition of what happened after last war," she said. "I do not think any nation the last time was prepared to think and act for unity. Perhaps my country was partly to blame. People should forget themselves as individuals. By Uieir — activities theyV should guide their Government truly to represent them so that they will no longer be exploited." | Mrs. Roosevelt arrived at Melbourne this morning from Canberra.