Colourful Party For Churchill’s Birthday

Northern Advocate, 7 December 1943, Page 6

Colourful Party For Churchill’s Birthday

(8.0. W. 1 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 6. Mr. Churchill’s birthday dinner party at Teheran on November 30, held in the British Legation at Teheran, was a colourful, delightful affair. Thirty-four guests were present including Marshal Stalin, President Roosevelt and all the members of the conference and Mr. Churchill’s daughter, Sarah. A great pile of congratulations and many presents were showered on the Prime Minister. The first message he opened was from his wife. In the centre of the dinner table was a smalt birthday cake with a ‘’V” for victory in icing and 69 candles. Next morning Mr. Churchill was presented with three gifts by the British troops who guarded the conference compound. Three N.C.O.’s representing the Buffs, Sikhs and troops of the Persia and Iran Command respectively, made the presentations. “Come a little closer,” said Mr. Churchill after his inspection of the troops, and they swarmed around him cheering. The Prime Minister said: “I am a stranger to the Paiforce (Persia and Iran Command), but I know what you troops have done, what a worthy part you have played. I hope and trust the decisions we are maiang may play a part in shortening the war and enable you to get back to your homes in the east or west wherever they may be.” Two of the most striking presents wer e a silver coin dated 300 B.C. from nis daughter arid a blue and white 13th century Persian bowl from Mrs. Churchill.