KING'S SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23191, 10 November 1938, Page 11

KING'S SPEECH

SESSION OPENED AMERICAN VISIT t BEQUEST WELCOMED CLOSER RELATIONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless RUGBY, Nov. ft With traditional ceremony, the King, accompanied by the Queen, drove 111 State to Westminster this morning to open the new session of Parliament. The route was crowded with eager and enthusiastic spectators. There were ~three mounted equerries in attendance and the Sovereign's escort of Lifeguards. Their Majesties rode in the State coach drawn by eight grey horses and five uemi-Stato carriages, each with four bay horses, accompanied it carrying officers and ladies of the household. On arrival, at the House of Lords the time-honoured ceremonial followed. The King's speech stated:— My relations with foreign Powers 'Continue to be friendly. The Government will do- its utmost to promote the development of a good understanding in the spirit of the German-British 'declaration at Munich. France and Rumania

"The agreement between Britain and Italy will shortly be enforced, which I believe will confirm the traditional good relations so happily and so long •subsisting between Britain and Italy, and thus further the cause of European peace.

"I have' invited the King of .Rumania to visit me this month, and I look forward with pleasure to his visit. I have also invited the President •of France to visit me in the spring of 1939. I feel assured that his visit will •cause great satisfaction to my people. Invitation Accepted "The Queen and I are anticipating xrith keenest pleasure the visit we are hoping to pay to Canada in 1939. I am happy "to accept the President's invitation to the Queen and myself to visit the United States after the Canadian tour, and I warmly welcome this practical expression of good feeling between Britain and America. "My Ministers deeply regret the continuance of hostilities in Spain. While •dhering to non-intervention wo will assist) in any way possible the restoration of peace. We are also ready at any time if desired by the parties in the Far East to aid a settlement ensuring lasting peace, and meanwhile to do the utmost to safeguard British interests. "My Ministers will shortly table the report of the Palestine Commission containing a statement of policy." His Majesty also referred to the advance of £10,000.000 to be placed at the disposal of Czechoslovakia to meet urgent requirements, and said that legislation would be prepared dealing vith financial assistance to that country. « '

Defence Problems "Although the equipment and expansion of defence forces is rapidly progressing, my Ministers have reviewed matters in the light of deficiences revealed in the recent emergency and will in duo course take steps to accelerate and supplement existing measures," the speech continued. "Problems of civil defence, including effective utilisation of the resources of the nation for a national-voluntary service will in future receive the tindivided attention of the Lord Privy Seal, Sir John Anderson.

"I trust that the active furtherance of European peace, which is the Government's constant aim, will lead to a wider confidence and supply a fresh impulse to trade arid industry and employment. My Ministers will persist in their efforts to establish favourable conditions for the development of overseas markets."