HISTORIC DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23157, 1 October 1938, Page 16

HISTORIC DAY

MUNICH SCENES PREMIERS^GREETING ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD EFFORTS RECOGNISED DICTATORS HAILED By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, Sept. 29 The special correspondent of the Star, who watched all three of Mr. Chamberlain's receptions at Munich, says there has been no scene like to-day's. It was as though the heart of the German people was greeting a British statesman who had fought so hard to bring them peace. Women rushed forward to obtain a close glimpse of him and waved handkerchiefs frantically. Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini, accompanied by members of their entourage. were the first arrivals at the Fuehrerhaus. Mr. Chamberlain, accompanied by Herr von Bibbentrop, German Foreign drove up six minutes later and they were saluted by a roll of drums. General Goering accompanied the French Prime Minister. M. Daladier So great was the enthusiasm of the crowds when the dictators arrived for the four-Power conference that they broke through the cordon of Storm Troopers. A few managed to shake hands with Signor Mussolini. II Duee smiled broadly, but Herr Hitler looked grim. The talks were preceded by a standup buffet lunch. Herr Hitler talked with M. Daladier, while Signor Mussolini conversed with Mr. Chamberlain. After lunch the statesmen adjourned to the Fuehrer's private study, accompanied by Count Ciano, Italian Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop and M. Leger, Secretary-General at the Quai d'Orsay. The four statesmen went motoring at 2.55 p.m, Herr Hitler was alone in the first car, Signor Mussolini and Herr Hess in the second, Count Ciano and Herr von Ribbentrop in the third, M. Daladier and Field-Marshal Goering in the fourth, and Mr. Chamberlain and Sir Nevile Henderson. British Ambassador to Germany, in the fifth

DEFENCE STEPS NO RELAXATION BRITISH PRECAUTIONS . TENSION STILL' EVIDENT (Received September 30, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 30 The Daily Telegraph says official quarters see no signs of hope for an immediate end to the tension which is evidenced by the §fact that the Government continues its rapid precautions Thousands of Territorials are already mobilised and are living under war time conditions. Some are quartered within a bus ride from their homes, but they are not allowed to go home at night. The Home Office has warned parents against allowing their children to use gas masks as toys, owing to the danger of damage which would render them useless. The ap + i-aircraft, Army and Royal Air Force recruiting campaign and the Fleet mobilisation are being continued at full speed Municipalities have been advised in no circumstance to delay air raid precautions, - German visitors continue to call at the Embassy for visas.

HEARTFELT THANKS

MR. LYONS' STATEMENT HOPE OF GENERAL SETTLEMENT (Received September 30, 10.50 p.m.) SYDNEY. Sept! 30 The Prime Minister, Mfr. Lyons, voicing the feelings of the Commonwealth, said the news from Munich was the most heartening for years. He expressed the hope that the fourPower agreement would be the forerunner of a more general settlement, ensuring happiness and prosperity for all peoples. "To Mr. Chamberlain in particular and in a lesser degree to Mr. Roosevelt and Signor Mussolini, we owe our heartfelt thanks," said Mr. Lyons. SAMOANS' LOYALTY FORCE OF 9200 AVAILABLE TELEGRAM TO MR. SAVAGE £- —— [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] TNVERCARGILL, Friday The Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, received to-day the following telegram from the acting administrator of Samoa: —"At a fono this morning the faipule, with a strong expression of loyalty to the Empire, offered to make available a force of 9200 Samoans to fight for general service and in the defence of Apia." The following replv has been sent by the Prime Minister: —" I appreciate very much indeed the expression of loyalty by the fono and the offer of Samoans to help if necessary. I am glnd to say, "-however, that the present difficulties seem to be disappearing, but I shall not forget these expressions of the Samoans' support.'' NEW ZEALAND MESSAGE HOPE FOR LASTING PEACE [llY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] INVERCARG-ILL, Friday The Prime Minister.' Mr. Savage, stated to-day that a telegram had been despatched to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs expressing the relief and thanksgiving of the Government and people of New Zealand that war, which seemed to be so imminent, had -been averted. "His Majesty's Government in New Zealand earnestly trusts that the basis of settlement is such as will prove to be a lasting safeguard of world peace, founded on justice and order between the nations," said the messag®.