PRESS AND THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25238, 29 May 1943, Page 4

PRESS AND THE WAR

TRIBUTE TO CORRESPONDENTS MR CHURCHILL’S FRANKNESS WASHINGTON. (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) May 28. “We are deeply concerned for th« welfare of our beloved Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Churchill told Empire press correspondents whom he invited to meet him at a special reception at the British Embassy. Mr Churchill replied fully and frankly to questions about the Pacific war, but the interview was not given for publication. All of the 25 correspondents who attended were amazed at the frankness with which Mr Churchill answered the questions put to him. . ' An Australian correspondent wrote: “ His frankness startled you, as I think it startled Lord Halifax, whose eyes showed his surprise when Mr Churchill did not dodge a single issue, but, answered every question with great' freedom and fullness as though talking with his chiefs of staff.” * -The British Prime Minister is reported to have looked younger.and seemed more carefree than on his previous visit to the United States. "His round mobile face is almost devoid of colour,” said a correspondent, "but it is calm., and unworried. His..slightly bowed shoulders are rugged and massive. A smile plays ceaselessly* around > the corners ‘ of his' mouth, while his eyes reflect intelligence and- humour. His quick speech was filled with humour and memorable phrases-that have made him the world’s greatest orator and the finest journalist of our age. The temptation to reach for , a notebook was almost irresistible.” Before Mr Churchill left his guests he paid a tribute to the work of British and dominion press correspondents and to their skill and high sense of responsibility, “You are doing work of great importance. for your countries and the war,” he said at the end of an hour. “ Thank you for coming to see me.” ' . . ' ’