Celebrate Non-Arrival Of Dictators

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 6

Celebrate Non-Arrival Of Dictators

(Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON. August 15.

The Overseas League party for Dominion servicemen to celebrate the non-arrival of Hitler and Mussolini was the gayest of many celebrations.

Lord Willingdon read telegrams from the “guests cf dishonour.” Hitler telegraphed explaining that he had started off according to plan, but teas blown back by a hurricane. He added that they were not to make too much fuss of the Duce. Mussolini telegraphed that all Italian sailings had been cancelled owing to secret manoeuvres in ports. Heil Fuehrer if present.

Lord Willingdon added: "I am sure that if these gentlemen had arrived you Empire soldiers would have given them the warmest welcome." Low in the “Evening Standard" cartoons a ceremonial reception committee ol' New Zealand, Australian, African and Canadian soldiers won bouquets disguising “Tommy guns." Empty Bo.mt. After the fall of France, Hitler boasted that Britain would be brought to her knees and peace declared by August 15. All the morning newspapers today draw attention to the date and to the emptiness of the boast. There was another ' celebration in London last night when 53 French sailors, including Vice-Admiral Muselier and Staff-Captain Moret, attended a gathering to celebrate the death sentences which the French “war guilt" trials are expected to impose.

They have already been condemned according to Petain's decrees.

“All these air attacks,” a German spokesman declared, “indicate that the great battle for England has begun. Ever-increasing masses of German planes will be flung against Britain. The climax is near.”