HANDS SHAKEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1939, Page 10

HANDS SHAKEN

KING AND PRESIDENT. HISTORY AT STATION. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, June 8. A tumult iioiis reception to Their Alajesties here to-day began with the historic handshake at Union Station where Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of State) introduced Their Majesties to President Roosevelt. “Air President, I. have the honour to present Their Britannic .Majesties,” said Air Hull.

The Kino; hesitated slightly, but President Roosevelt put out his hand and with a hearty Greeting said, “Well, at last I greet you.” The King replied. “Air President, it is indeed a pleasure for Her Majesty and myself to be here.” The faces of both crinkled into cordial smiles as their hands met to symbolise the ties of friendship between the countries. TYPICAL PRESS WARNING. The newspapers agree that no visitors to Washington were over given a greater ovation than Their Alajesties. A record crowd of (iOU.IKX) people strained against the wire ropes lining tin' footpaths shouting and waving, and several times threatened to break through the rows of P2OO police and f't'ftO soldiers. Comment on Their Alajesties’ youth, charm and dignity was overheard from all quarters.

The crowd began to form at 2 a.in. and up to 30 dollars was paid lor a window overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue. The temperature cf 89 deg. was distressing for the King who was in an open car in full-dress naval uniform, line man dropped dead during the Royal progress and 250 were treated lor heat prostration. The noisy hackfiring of tanks struck a strange note and one caught fire and was abandoned. The route had historic implications as. 125 years ago. 4500 British sailors, niter scattering the American delenders and setting on fire the half-linisiicd Capitol, moved down it and burned White House.

In typical manner the American Press, recalling such history, expresses the hope that Their Majesties will be careful with matches to-night. ANO N Y AlO U S M ESS AG E.

A variety of incidents were connected in one 'way or the other with the visit ol Their Alajesties. These were, firstly, the announcement of the release" of Sean Russell, L.R.A. leader, who was arrested at Detroit, on bond, thus obviating the threat of some Congressmen to boycott the Congressional reception to Their Alajesties tomorrow.

Russell, will he given a hearing on Saturday on the deportation warrant charging him with overstaying his 30 days’ visitor's permit. Secondly, in the House of Representatives, Air Sweeney announced front the floor to some applause that he had telegraphed the King reminding hint ol Britain’s war debt to the United States. Thirdly, the State Department disclosed that it had received ail anonymous warning which was forwarded to the New A’ork police, containing the addresses of 15 dance halls, liars and other places which, the writer said, were the meeting places of radical organisations where, if a search teas made, bombs would be found which were being prepared lor Their Majesties. The police immediately placed cordons around the places mentioned. VOICE OF AMERICA. Because of the brevity of Their Alajesties’ visit to the United States, 'Washington 1 eels it is acting as the voice ol the entire American people. The Washington Daily News says Their Alajesties were greeted not merely as the representatives ol another great Democracy, or as Royalty, hut as two great human beings who have won that distinction in thenown right.

•The story of their 7000 miles journey through Canada is characterised liv unfailing patience, tact and Cood sportsmanship. They have shown they can take it, and we like them,” the paper says.

The Evening Star comments that because of the international situation the King's presence in the United States is portentous in a high degree. “It is noticed that on the fundamental question of Democracy versus Dictatorships, the people who share the principles lhat gave birth to the Magna Carta and the Bill of Mights .see eve to eye. ‘There is no room for doubt that Britain and America are inspired by a parallel purpose,” the paper adds. Commenting on American isolation due to the desire to stabilise and perfect her own civilisation, the Washington Post says: “But the American people arc realising more and more clearly that whether we act nr whether ■we fail to act our power, of itself, is serving as the prime determinant ol history.

“With the realisation comes the growing determination to have the United States play a truly constructive role in this difficult era. to exert positive leadership and fulfil the responsibilities which are the inescapable concomitant of power.

“The visit of Their Majesties will subtly strengthen this. Behind the pomp and circumstance, the simplicity and modesty of the Poyal couple can he clearly discerned,” the article concludes.