M. MOLOTOV IN BRITAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 13 June 1942, Page 5

M. MOLOTOV IN BRITAIN

“MR SMITH FROM ABROAD” London, June 11 • “Mr Smith from abroad” was M. Molotov’s title while he was in Britain. He travelled round London in a closed car accompanied by armed police, and word went to sentries and officials that no questions were to be asked about the man who hurried in and out of No. 10 and the Foreign Office. However, Mr Churchill invited M. Molotov to return as soon as he can so that he can see the people of Britain and be seen by them. The Prime Minister also placed Chequers (the Prime Minister’s country residence in Buckinghamshire) at M. Molotov’s disposal. Messrs Churchill and Eden and MM. Molotov and Maisky dined informally one evening and talked into the small hours, chiefly on the subject of a second front. Their working hours were mostly spent round a small table in the Foreign Office. Both parties spoke freely from the first handshake, giving full military information and exchanging political views of all kinds. While the diplomatic discussions were on the Russian service experts conferred with the British service chiefs and supply officials. The Russian Embassy in Washington to-day disclosed that the secret flight of M. Molotov to Washington was made in a Soviet bomber. M. Molotov and his party of 13 arrived four hours ahead of schedule on 29th Mav. and were met only by embassy officials. No one recognised M. Molotov, even when he went to New York and mingled with the throngs. He visited Radio City and saw all the usual tourist sights.—P.A.