CORDIAL WELCOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23145, 17 September 1938, Page 15

CORDIAL WELCOME

HITLER'S HANDSHAKE SCENE AT BERCHTESGADEN LEADERS DINE TOGETHER LENGTHY DISCUSSION HELD By Telegraph—Press, Association—Copyright (Received September Hi, 7..'i0 p.m.) LOXDON, Sept. H> Two Union Jacks flew at the aerodrome at Munich at which Mr. Chamberlain landed yesterday after his flight from England to meet Hcrr Hitler, and there was a crowd at the outskirts of the Jlying-field. The Prime Minister was cheered on landing and again as he drove off, accompanied by Ilerr von Bibbentrop, the Cennian Foreign Minister, in an impressive touring car. Storm Troopers'in full uniform sat beside the chauffeur. Mr. Chamberlain, ami his party boarded a special train at Munich, which was slowed down to permit of a comfortable lunch and for Mr. Chamberlain to recover from his air journey. He arrived at ISorchtcsgadcu at 1.10 p.m.

Dr. Otto Meissner, Secretary to the Chancellery, and Dr. Sehmundt, Herr Hitler's adjutant, greeted Mr. Chamberlain and escorted him through a lane of cheering people, who shouted "Heil" and threw their caps in the air. Military Black Guard attaches escorted Mr. Chamberlain and Herr von Ribbcntrop to a hotel and Mr. Chamberlain went straight to his room. Later, accompanied by Hcrr von Ribbentrop, tho Prime Minister left to see Herr Hitler, who welcomed him on the steps of his house at 4.55. Hcrr Hitler's greeting was a cordial handshake. A guard of honour from the Fuehrer's own bodyguard was drawn up in front of the house and Black Guards presented arms as Herr Hitler greeted Mr. Chamberlain, who was accompanied by Sir Nevile Henderson, British Ambassador to Germany, Herr von Ribbcntrop, Sir Horace A\ ilson, industrial adviser to the British Government. and Mr. YV. Strang, of tli < British Foreign Office. Dr. von Dirkscn, German Ambassador to Britain, and various German officials were also j present. ,

Hon' Hitler escorted his quests to the main hail of the house, where tea was served. Mr. Chamberlain dined with He it Hitler, and they talked lor a lonjr time. Alter (lie discussion Mr. Chamberlain returned to his hotel. Mr. Chamberlain's return to London to-day is interpreted in political quarters in Merlin as proof that he realised the seriousness of the situation and that every minute's delay spells the utmost danger. A spokesman declared: "When two such men as Jlerr Hitler and Mr. Chamberlain discuss matters I'c.r several hours they certainly yet down to brass tacks. If Mr. Chamberlain had stayed longer lie would have yir*en the impression of procrastination. The issue involves human lives, and nobody knows what the next hour may briny." RECALL TO LONDON THE BRITISH MEDIATOR MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S REQUEST CONSULTATION DESIRED (Received September 10, 0.18 p.m.) LONDON", Kept. 10 The 'British mediator in Czechoslovakia, Viscount Puneiman, accompanied by Mr. K. T. Asliton-Gwatkin, the Foreign Ofliee adviser, left Prague lor London at noon to-day. Lord Huneiman is going to London at -Mr. Chamberlain's request for a consultation following the Prime Minister's conversation with Horr Hitler. •Meanwhile Lord Puneiman has appealed to all parties to refrain from any action which might aggravate the situation, pending the further consultations between Mr. Chamberlain and Horr Hitler. Parliament will ho summoned after Mr. Chamberlain's return to hear his statement on his conversations with Herr Hitler.