HISTORIC DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23029, 5 May 1938, Page 15

HISTORIC DAY

HITLER IN ROME OFFICIAL WELCOME TRIUMPHAL DRIVE ENTHUSIASM OF NAZIS THE VATICAN SILENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 5, 12.49 a.m.) ROME, May 4 With the exception of the Vatican organ, Osservatore Romano, which ignored the event while the Vatican City displayed neither flags nor garlands, the entire press told in headlines of Herr Hitler's progress to Rome, where he arrived at 8.30 p.m. yesterday at a specially-built station.

King Victor Emanuel, Signor MusBolini, Count Ciano and other grandees greeted him as he led his entourage from the train. All entered carriages amid the pealing of bells, the tossing of flags, shrieking of sirens and booming of guns, and traversed the newly-made Via le Hitler through the illuminated capital, while 800,000 people lined the route to the Royal Palace. Signor Mussolini effaced himself after the welcome at the station, driving by a circuitous route to his home. Herr Hitler passed through the gateway through which Saint Paul was taken en route to his execution. The entire progress of the procession afforded an object lesson in Roman history, passing, as it did, monuments ranging from structures raised by the Caesars to buildings erected yesterday. Four thousand Nazis from Germany were massed at various points and exclaimed at the floodlit grandeur of the Coliseum and the beauty of the floral adornments. Herr Hitler's train had slowed down in passing through the two stations of Florence, and the Fuehrer, standing at the window, acknowledged the cheers. German and Fascist fighting aeroplanes from Bologna then escorted the train to Rome. Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini, escorted by motor-cyclists ahead and galloping cavalry in the rear, toured the memorials to-day. Herr Hitler placed a wreath on the tombs of the Italian Kings, the Unknown Warrior and the Fascists who died for the Cause. Afterward the dictators had a private conversation. The speeches of Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini at a banquet on Saturday will be broadcast in several languages. The Royal Palace on the Quirinal Hill in Rome for some time past has been echoing to the sound of tools wielded by workmen who were preparing this 16th century residence for the visit of Herr Hitler, who will be lodged there during his visit to the Eternal City. For three centuries it was the home of the Popes, ceasing to be so only when Rome ceased to be governed by the Pope. Since then it has remained the residence of the Italian Royal Family. TALK WITH IL DUCE BRITISH CORRESPONDENT (Received May 4, 11.54 p.m.) LONDON, May 4 "I had five minutes' informal conversation with Signor Mussolini while he was waiting to welcome Herr Hitler," says Mr. G. Ward Price, special correspondent of the Daily Mail, in a message from Rome. "II Duce, in spite of his multiple preoccupations, has improved his knowledge of English, and he spoke more fluently. He said Italian public opinion was extremely pleased with Mr. Chamberlain's speech last week, which rendered great service in the cause of international co-operation." Mr. Ward Price adds that II Duce expressed genuine satisfaction as he referred to Mr. Chamberlain's friendliness to Italy.