CHURCHILL IN U.S.

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1943, Page 5

CHURCHILL IN U.S.

SECRET DEPARTURE Discussions with Roosevelt [British Official Wirelesai RUGBY, May 11. Mr. Churchill has arrived in the United States, states a Washington message. It is officially, stated that the Prime Minister is> there • for another conference with Mr. Roosevelt. This is Mr. Churchill’s third visit to America since December 1941. and his fifth meeting with Roosevelt since August 1941, when the two statesmen drafted the Atlantic Charter. Their most recent meeting was at Casablanca. Mr. Churchill was met by Mr. Roosevelt and will be the President's guest for the duration of the visit. Mr. Churchill is accompanied by a staff of experts in military and naval affairs.

(Rec. 10.30.) LONDON, May 12. More elaborate precautions were taken to guard the secrecy of Mr. Churchill’s departure than previously. He motored from London to a suburban station, where he joined a special train in which military, naval, and other experts were already seated. The train stayed some hours at the siding before pulling out. Mr. Churchill on the previous dav lunched with the King at Buckingham Palace. Rumours that Mr. Churchill was abroad began to circulate several days ago. Members of Parliament and. many others guessed that the rumours were true when Mr. Attlee issued a statement regarding Tunisia, on which the newspapers previously asserted that Mr. Churchill would speak. The “Daily Express” political correspondent says: Mr. Churchill has gone to America at President Roosevelt’s invitation. It was not intended to hold another meeting until Autumn. The sudden meeting was not called because things had gone wrong, but because things are going so well for the Allies. President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill will follow the precedent of previous meetings and keep M. Stalin and General Chiang Kai Shek fully informed. Subjects for discussion include: Firstly, stepping up supplies from all the United Nations to meet the needs of invading armies and air forces; Secondly, methods of dealing with Italy, should she seek an armistice; Thirdly, the reply which might have to be made to a formal peace offer through neutrals. (This is considered necessary following 1 recent peace feelers from Spain and other smaller Powers); Fourthly, the breach between Poland and Russia; Fifthly, the anti-U-boat warfare.

Messages from Washington say that Mr. Churchill will be the President’s guest during his visit. It is Mr. Churchill’s third visit to Washington since December, 1941, and his fifth meeting with President Roosevelt since August, 1941. when the Atlantic Charter was drafted. One of the chief decisions expected is the appointment of an Allied Generalissimo and a possible combination of the European and African war theatres in a single sphere. Speculation on candidates centres around General Marshall and General Alexander. The presence of large numbers of military and naval advisers is regarded as evidence that the conference will be preoccupied with invasion plans. The fact that Lord Beaverbrook is included aroused speculation that perhaps Lord Beaverbrook may participate at some future conference between Mr. Churchill, President Roosevelt, and M. Stalin.

Pacific Offensive

POSSIBLE OUTCOME OF TALKS.

(Rec. 11.30) NEW YORK, May 12-. “Some observers believe that the Washington talks may take, an unexpected turn, resulting in a breathing spell in the European zone while the United Nations consolidate their North African triumphs,” says the “New /York Herald-Tribune’s correspondent in the capital. This may call for at least a burst of activity, if not a sustained Pacific campaign against Japan. Other observers express the opinion that any talk of diverting the effort to the Pacific is largely nonsense. They are honestly puzzled about what President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill could decide that could not already be decided at Casablanca. They assume that complete blueprint a'ction in Europe after Africa was sketched ou't at Casablanca, and are hopeful nothing will be done to minimise the gigantic labours needed to beat the chief foe, Germany. The new conference. they contend, will deal largely with how and where to administer blows.

The “New York Times” Washington correspondent reports: “There are some who believe that important Allied operations in the Pacific may come sooner than expected.” This theory is supported by Admiral Halsey’s congratulatory message to General Eisenhower, expressing the hope that he would beat Eisenhower to the punch next time. The personnel of Mr. Churchill’s party is not revealed, but Lord Leathers and Mr. Harriman are reported to be included. It is authoritatively stated that Lord Beaverbrook is not a member of the official party, but probably will participate in the talks.