Churchill Back In London Again

Northern Advocate, 19 January 1944, Page 3

Churchill Back In London Again

(Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 18. Mr Churchill arrived in London at 10 a.m. accompanied by Mrs Churchill, his daughter, Mrs Vie. Oliver and Lord Moran.

His arrival was semi-private and the Prime Minister went direct to the House of Commons where he was enthusiastically greeted. Extraordinary precautions were taken for Mr Churchill's safety on his arrival in England. A few service officials at the place where he arrived knew of his impending arrival and all points were closely guarded.

The Premier left for London in a special train, all the windows of which were covered. In House Of Commons

The special train on which Mr Churchill returned to London at 10 a.m. today was met on the platform by a large gathering of Ministers, service chiefs and relatives. His appearance in the House of Commons within an hour later was the occasion for cheering.

Replying to a questioner, who ’asked if he could, make a statement on the progress of operations in Italy, Mr Churchill said he would like in the near future to make a statement in the House about the general progress of the war. including Italy, but would ask for more latitude about the actual date.

Asked by Captain L. JL Plugge (Con., Chatham) what steps he was taking to reduce some of his official burdens with a view to conserving his health, Mr Churchill replied: “I am obliged to my honourable friend for his solicitude, but I have no changes at present to propose.” Mr Churchill was received in audience by the King at Buckingham Palace and remained to lunch with His Majesty. Convalescent Days

Further details of Mr Churchill’s recent movements now given show that Mr Churchill arrived at Carthage from Cairo on December 11, meaning tc- stay a day or so with General Eisenhower before visiting the Italian front. However, he was taken ill and on December 27 had sufficiently recovered to make an air journey that day. He flew over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh (French Morocco), where he had been invited by the American High Command to spend his convalescence. Here a villa with a beautiful garden, kept by the American authorities for the use of distinguished guests, was placed at his disposal. It was the same villa where no stayed with President Roosevelt after the Casablanca conference. Mr Churchill remained constantly in touch with London and affairs of state. Nevertheless he spent as much time as possible out of doors. Many Days In The Countrv

Leaving the villa about noon it was his practice to motor with Mrs Churchill and his daughter (SectionOfficer Oliver), Lord Moran and members of his staff and lunch in an olive grove or by the side of a mountain stream. On one occasion he drove high into the mountains above the snow line and left the car at various points to admire the scenery. Even on days when he did not go for a picnic, the weather was such that he could lunch in the garden of the villa.

Lord Beaverbrook has been with Mr Churchill throughout his visit. Generals Montgomery. Eisenhower and Bedell-Smith visited him, here, ns well as General Georges.

Dr. Benes and the Russian Ambassador to Czechoslovakia (IVt. Lebedev) remained for a night on route for England. Ollier visitors included General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, General Alexander. Mr Duff Cooper, Mr Harold MacMillan and General de Gaulle. Mr. Churchill told the House of Commons that he hoped a White Paper on social security would be ready about the end of February or early in March. Although Mr Churchill's arrival in London was kept a close secret from the public, large crowds of spectators quickly gathered outside the station barriers and gave him a rousing welcome after his absence of nearly 10 weeks says another message. Mr Churchill was met by relatives, close friends, members of Cabinet and chiefs of service staffs. Floodlights were turned on as the train steamed in.

Mr Churchill, in his Trinity House uniform, emerged looking a picture of health. With his yachting cap set at a jaunty angle, and a happy smile, he seemed remarkably well. The Prime Minister was greeted by a great cheer, and was visibly affected as he went round and shook hands with members of the Cabinet, including Mr Eden, Mr Attlee. Mr Herbert Morrison and Lord Woolton.

Mr Churchill earnestly conversed for some time with Admiral Cunningham, General Sir Alan Brooke, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal. There were enthusiastic scenes in the House of Commons when Mr Churchill made his first appearance after his illness. His entry was a complete surprise to most Members of the House. Members rose and cheered tumultously and waved order papers as Mr Churchill smilingly took his scat.