KING OF THE BELGIANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23352, 18 November 1937, Page 12

KING OF THE BELGIANS

ARRIVAL IN LONDON AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 16. With guns from Dover Castle thundering a Royal Salute and thousands lining the white cliffs cheering, King Leopold arrived escorted by a squadron of Air Force planes and a flotilla of destroyers. His Majesty and members of Cabinet met King Leopold at Victoria Station. Cheering crowds watched the State drive to Buckingham Palace. GUEST AT STATE BANQUET (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Nov. 16. On his arrival at the palace King Leopold was greeted by the Queen. Late this afternoon the royal visitor called on Queen Mary at Marlborough House, where he remained for nearly an hour. Later at St. James’s Palace he received civic deputations. To-night King Leopold will be the guest of their Majesties at a State banquet at Buckingham Palace.

THE STATE BANQUET NEARLY TWO HUNDRED GUESTS LONDON, Nov. 17. (Received Nov. 17, at 11 p.m.) The State banquet at Buckingham Palace in honour of King Leopold was attended by 180, including Queen Mary and 12 other members of the Royal Family. King George, proposing the toast of King Leopold, said; “ I am confident that the future holds a most valuable guarantee of peace, which we believe all the nations throughout the world at heart desire. It is the common determination of our two countries to promote the cause of good faith and fair dealing in international affairs.” King Leopold said that from ancient times the relations between the two countries had been most cordial. Later on Britain not only lent aid to the establishment of Belgium’s independence but also to help in her defence. When the hour struck she, without any hesitation, made good her word. “We are confident that if ill-fdrtune again befall, we will always find her that sure support which, joined to our own unshakeable determination to defend ourselves, would successfully repel all danger from our soil.” LORD MAYOR’S BANQUET LONDON, Nov. 16. (Received Nov. 17, at 10 p.m.) The Lord Mayor’s banquet at the Guildhall to King Leopold tomorrow will be attended by 750 guests. Eucalyptus will be prominent in the decorations as a compliment to Lady Twyford, who is an Australian.