OVER THE BORDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 11

OVER THE BORDER

ENTRY INTO UNITED STATES WARM WELCOME ASSURED EXTRAORDINARY PRECAUTIONS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegr ph—Copyright) NEW YORK, June 7. (Received June 8, at 1 a.m.)

On the eve of their Majesties’ entry into the United States, via Niagara, three things stand out about the impending American tour: —

First, the extraordinarily favourable impression created throughout this country by their Canadian tour. Mrs Roosevelt’s comment only echoed the universally expressed opinion that the sovereigns showed themselves every inch a King and Queen, not only in their regal demeanour, but in the depth of interest in their subjects and the simplicity and gentleness in all their dealings with them. Thus the United States will welcome their Majesties not only out of curiosity but with real affection.

Strenuous Times Ahead

Secondly, if the Canadian journey made great demands upon the strength of the sovereigns then the American tour, although much briefer, is nevertheless likely to prove even more strenuous because it seems to be indicated that everybody who is footloose will flock to the three focal points of their Majesties’ American visit, namely, Washington, New York and Hyde Park, and there is little likelihood that they will be spared the typical strenuousness of large scale American hospitality. The difficulties of Sir Ronald Lindsay’s garden party have apparently been ironed out, and 1400 guests will attend. Other aspects of the Washington visit involve a degree of military _ and official pomp and popular participation —already Washington hotels are swamped with visitors—as the city has never known before. In New York their Majesties will visit the World Fair. They will spend five minutes at the Australian pavilion. The pourings out of the populace in New York City proper as their Majesties tour through it en route to Colombia University and thence to Hyde Park are giving the authorities much concern, and on many streets only the holders of cards will be permitted to stand and view royalty passing. Informality at Hyde Park

Hyde Park, President Roosevelt’s birthplace, will be the scene ostensibly of complete informality, their Majesties dining with President and Mrs Roosevelt and family, and enjoying „ picnic with them and they: neighbours, but Mrs Roosevelt’s picnics are known to be active affairs and the keenness of the gentry and farmers to see the King and Queen promises to intensify the strenuousness of the day their Majesties will spend at the President’s home. Thirdly, unprecedented precautions have been taken by all authorities to assure the safety of the sovereigns. Police will be stationed in all high buildings to watch the crowds while their Majesties pass and all spectators in the immediate environs of their Majesties. All the windows along the route must be closed and passing motor cars must stop. Extremely large numbers of' police, State troopers, soldiers and sailors, as well as United States secret service operatives, will*guard the sovereigns night and day. The Russell and Duchess of Kent incidents have served to intensify the precautionary measures and these will reach a degree probably never before undertaken in America. Political Significance Mr Cordell Hull, Sir Donald Lindsay, and their respective entourages are leaving for Niagara tonight to welcome their Majesties on American soil. That will mark the beginning of a ceremony which, aside from the elements of so-called human interest, apparently has a deeper political significance in the minds of most Americans. The Associated Press Washington correspondent, for instance, says: “The fact that the first visit of a reigning British monarch to the United States is made at one of the most critical periods in the history of the British Empire cannot but stir the thoughts, of international politicians. He comes at a moment, too, when thet United States herself is engaged ip the greatest peace-time programme in its history. He corned at the instant when Congress is confsidering a change in the Neutrality Act which would enable Britain ; to get arms and munitions from the United States in time of war.. All these facts world politicians.' will searchingly endeavour to assay.” f