THE ROYAL PARTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23830, 9 June 1939, Page 9

THE ROYAL PARTY

ENTRY INTO UNITED STATES HISTORIC CROSSING . ■, ” ’ ' i ' HUGE THRONG AT NIAGARA FALLS VIEWED FROM BRINK (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) NIAGARA FALLS (Ontario), June 7. The greatest crowds in Niagara’s history gathered to witness their Majesties’ historic crossing into the United States, says the special representative of the Australian Associated Press. Those present numbered 500,000/ including thousands from the United States. Crqada surrenders their Majesties for the four-day visit at the middle of the arched span linking the two countries below 1’ a mighty cataract at 9.35 ,p.m. Eastern Standard Time. T(ieir Majesties decided not to descend to the base as arranged earlier, but contented themselves with viewing the falls from the brink. The. Buffalo. Times, in the first •ouvenir edition ever published by an American newspaper for visiting royalty, Said: “ To-day for the first time in history, the reigning Monarchs of the British Empire have set foot on the soil of the United States. They will not pass any border guards. None of the decorations wo hang out for them will be there temporarily to conceal frontier barriers. They will not pass any Maginot or Siegfried Lines; The only military forces they will see will be there only for show and to honour them. We think they will find us talking about much the Same things and thinking in much the sdme way as the people they have been visiting during the past couple of weeks. We think thev Will detect in us the same unyielding love of human liberty that marks their own people. They may find our curtsies a little bit ptiff, but when they shake our hands we shall be offering the, same sincere friendship with which they have been welcomed to their own Dominion. They will find that this country and theirs are good neighbours, and that ‘ good neighbour ” is more than a phrase.” A WARM WELCOME . SUSPENSION BRIDGE CROSSED NEW YORK, June 7. (Received June 7, at 10.30 p.m.) The tiny, dimly-lit platform of the little statioh of the suspension bridge was jammed with the welcoming committee, a horde of pressmen, and a guard of honour of the Twehty-eighth United.; States Infrom Port Niagara as the time drdw‘ near for their; Majesties to crbsfe into the. United .States. The public were kept weir Outside the station yards; The army had stationed radio units albfig the entire length of line to Washington, maintaining constant communication throughout the night. ; The strictness of the American feafety precautions was illustrated when the troops refused to allow Lords Eldon and Airlie through to the platform. They explained they were gentleman-inTwaiting and chamberlain respectively, but received the reply, “It’s no good, buddy, our orders are to let no one through.” Mr Mackenzie King slipped through unnoticed. Their Majesties crossed the .suspension bridge into the United States at 9.40 p.m. E.S.T., and Were warmly welcomed by the Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull. !! Their Majesties stepped down from the train smiling. .The King was wearing a lounge suit arid the Queen a blue lavender ensemble. The British Ambassador, Sir Ronald Lindsay, greeted them, and then presented Mr and Mrs Hull. Mr Hull, in extending a welcome, said the example of a friendly visit by the rulers of the British Empire might offer an example of encouragement to the nations and peoples of the world. He added that the courtesy, consideration, and hospitality characteristic of Americans were extended to their Majesties. The visit could have none but a thoroughly beneficial effect. Replying, the King expressed his and the Queen’s pleasure at the opportunity of a visit to the United States and the great friendly neighbour of his own Dominion of Canada. Mr Hull introduced other members of the Welcoming Committee. Their Majesties spent some moments Chatting cordially with Mr and Mrs Hull, who will travel aboard the rbyal train. AMERICAN PRESS TRIBUTES *'A COMMON DESTINY” NEW YORK, June 8. (Received June 9, at 0.30 am.) Striking leaders on their Majesties’ visit appear in two of the most important New York newpapers. The New York Times says: “ Underneath the ceremonial of the royal visit is the success of ah honest pffprt to draw two English-speaking peoples closer together in. things which really matter. The British throne continues to exist because the British people regard it as a safeguard against tyranny. In that knowledge we welcome its occupants. They and their people are sharers with us in a common destiny. The liberties of England could not be destroyed without dangp" to our own.” The New York Herald-Tribune says: “ There never was any question of the cordiality with which Americans would welcome King George and Queen Elizabeth upon their visit here. The bonds of language, history, and basic institutions are too fundamental and enduring to be ignored in the presence of so friendly a gesture. In a difficult hour they have performed an arduous duty for their Empire, and performed it well. May their stay on this alien but friendly soil be as happy and cloudless as every American will wish it to be.” A JARRING NOTE WASHINGTON, June 7. (Received June 8, at 11 p.m.) The Foreign Relations Committee, which is discussing/leutrality legislation, heard Representative Tinkharm who is notoriously anti-British. He demanded to know whether the

unprecedented visit of the King “ does in fact signify an entente or military understanding between the administration and the British Government for the preservation of the British Empire at the expense of American blood and American treasure.” A YOUTH QUESTIONED ALLEGED THREATS NEW YORK, June 7. Paul Carlesimo, aged 18, of Utica, was questioned by the police and secret service agents at Niagara Falls because he allegedly made threats against their Majesties. The immigration authorities yesterday refused Carlesimo entry into Canada. Later in a restaurant Carlesimo is alleged to have made derogatory remarks and threats against royalties. The police say Carlesimo admitted that he had been arrested several times. He, is being held on a technical charge of vagrancy.