TOMMY ATKINS POPULAR

Evening Star, Issue 21960, 21 February 1935, Page 9

TOMMY ATKINS POPULAR

DEPARTURE FROM THE SAAR UPROARIOUS SEND-OFF Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, Febr'uary 20. The ‘ Daily Mail’s ’ Saarbrucken correspondent says: “ In striking contrast to the silence with which the British battalions were received in the Saar, the Essex Regiment, departing homeward, enjoyed an uproarious send-off, providing a glowing testimony ( to ‘ Tommy’s ’ tact and good nature.’ ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION IN FRANCE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 20. [Received February 21, at noon.) The Saar question entered upon its final phase yesterday, when the first contingent of Britisli troops left the territory for Home. It consisted of the first battalion of the Essex Regiment and a detachment of the Royal Corps of Signallers. On crossing into France the troops received en route a most cordial welcome from thq French people, and at times were entertained by local civic and military authorities. The arrival of the British soldiers at Rheims station was awaited by a large crowd, which cheered enthusiastically and shouted “ Vivent les Anglais,” while a French military band played ‘ God Save the King ’ and the ‘ Marsellaise.’ The British officers in the evening were the guests at an official banquet, while other ranks were also entertained. Today a tour of Rheims has been arranged, and the troops leave by a special train for Calais to-night. Next Monday tho first battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment will be entertained in Paris. Under the heading ‘ A Happy Ending to the Saar Question,’ the ‘Daily Telegraph ’ says that, despite tho delicacy of the many problems involved in transferrenco of. the territory, the prospect can be contemplated without the least misgiving. What now remains to be seen is whether the jnap of Europe can be contemplated in the same spirit, as was shown in dealing with the Saar frontier.