KING'S MESSAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25177, 14 April 1945, Page 7

KING'S MESSAGE

HEARTFELT SYMPATHY COMMONS ADJOURNS MR CHUBCHIIL'S SPEECH (Reed. 11.10 a.m.) LONDON. April 13 "The Queen and I are deeply grieved and shocked by the news of President Roosevelt's death." said the King in a message to Mrs Roosevelt at the White House. "In him humanity has lost a great figure and we have lost a true and honoured friend. On behalf of my peoples T send our most heartfelt sympathy to you and to the members of your family." The King, as is customary on the death of a United States President in office, has ordered the Court to go into mourning. This will be observed for a week.

When the House of Commons met today Mr Churchill rose at once and, speaking with considerable emotion., said: "The House will have learned wit'i deepest sorrow the grievous news of the loss of the famous President of the United States, whose friendship for the cause of freedom and for the cause of the weak and poor have won him immortal renown. "It is not fitting that we should continue our work this day. I feel that the House will wish to render its token of respect to the memory of this great departed statesman and war leader by adjourning immediately." After proposing that the leaders of all parties should pay their tributes next Tuesday, Mr Churchill then moved the adjournment of the House, which rose after a session of only eight minutes.