American Press Sums Up Tour

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1939, Page 5

American Press Sums Up Tour

NEW YORK, June 12. The American press has sought to evaluate Their Majesties’ visit. The ‘‘New York Times,” in a leading article, says: “To us, our welcome to the Royal visitors was a perfectly normal and spontaneous expression of American goodwill and hospitality. To be sure, the welcome might have been less heartfelt if the King and Queen had not proved such charming and tactful guests. “It was partly curiosity, no doubt, which brought out the vast New York crowds, but it was a genuine tribute nevertheless, as much to the British people as to their sovereigns.

“We Like the British.”

“We like the British because we understand them belter than most foreigners. After all, why shouldn’t we? They gave us our speech, manners, customs —and, after a little persuasion by the Continental Army, our country itself. “But the British themselves were amazed at London papers’ headlines; ‘New York’s Pandemonium Welcome’ and ‘New York Goes King Crazy.’ In a puzzled way they seem to attribute it somewhat to the heat with true British caution, they do not read too many implications into the reception, but obviously it was warmer and more sincere than they expected. Truculent Germany “In Berlin, on the other hand, they are acting like .a naughty little boy who was not invited to a party. “Germany is ordered to amuse itself at too quaint inability to behave in the presence of Royalty. This is not very subtle. “Germany is officially annoyed because the Anglo-Saxon peoples are having a good time together, and it cannot conceal its annoyance as a more suave Germany might. Indeed the sour note in the German press sounds slightly nervous.

“Germany will perhaps be relieved to know that our enthusiastic welcome to Their Majesties does not mean that we are about to rush into war beside Britain; but it does voice our ardent desire for peace, friendship, sympathetic understanding and the unity of two strong nations in a distracted world. It would be foolish for any nation to ignore it.” Taken to People’s Heart

The “New York Herald-Tribune” says: “Curiosity is still a strong American trait, but clearly there was mere behind the crowds that thronged to see Their Majesties. The city has never taken distinguished strangers so completely to its heart as it did the slender young King and the evercharming young Queen. “To gauge the importance of the visit and the significant reaction to it, one need only raise the question of when, before, it could have taken place amid such united cordiality. No period could be named. “There are still ample sources of minor rancours, but the firm friendship with Canada exists as a corner stone for a new relationship. “With goodwill and generosity by governments and individuals, a staunch structure of common aims may be built which could mean more for peace and justice in the world than any formal alliance ever written. “Liking so thoroughly this manly, courteous Englishman and his winning Scottish wife, Americans can hardly fail to understand better and like better the peoples they so admirably represent.”