TRIUMPHANT RETURN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 92, 20 March 1939, Page 7

TRIUMPHANT RETURN

FUEHRER WELCOMED. LAVISH RECEPTION. SCENES IN BERLIN. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—(opyriglit.) Received March 20, 1.30 p.m. BERLIN, March 19. Herr Hitler arrived here at 0.30 p.m. at the lavishly decorated Goerlitzer Station, where a galaxy of Ministers, diplomats, officials and officers were assembled. Trumpet peals marked his descent from his carriage.

Field-Marshal Goering, welcoming the Fuehrer, triumphantly rehearsed Herr Hitler's exploits. The band played the national anthem and guns boomed a salute, after which thousands witnessed hi s slow drive of throe and a-half miles, to the accompaniment of church bells, band music and the illumination of arc lights and fireworks. Behind the troops lining the route Berliners stood four deep in driving sleet and bitter wind.

Black Guards had distributed gratis paper flags, which rain speedily reduced to pulp. Herr Hitler readied the Chancellery at 8.12 p.m. A total of 150 armoured ears constituted Herr Hitler's procession, two, packed with armed police, immediately following the Fuehrer, with men watching from the running boards. Herr Hitler stood up in his car. saluting die vociferous crowds, which were estimated at one million. Later Herr Hitler appeared on the balcony and was wildly cheered. He three times reappeared at five-minute intervals, walking backwards and forwards with Herr von Ribbentrop, Field-Marshal Goering, General Keitel (Chief of Staff), and others. Loud-speakers then ordered the crowds to return to their homes, declaring that Herr Hitler had urgent conversations pending and would not reappear.