EXCELLENT IMPRESSION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18590, 28 December 1934, Page 6

EXCELLENT IMPRESSION

TROOPS IN THE SAAR

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

{British Official Wireless.) Rec. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Dec. 27. One of the British battalions in the Saar who ate their Christmas dinner in a local hotel heard the King's message through the kindness of a German owner who provided a wireless set. All the British contingent- celebrated Christmas in traditional fashion, and in the best spirits. The East Lancashire Regiment were able to take their turkeys and plum puddings all together, non-commissioned officers, for once in the year, waiting on the men, The only difference was that on this occasion they drank German instead of English beer. The Essex Regiment had a church parade, and there was an inspection of British troops, an Italian regiment, and the Netherlands contingent by Mr. Geoffrey Knox, president of the Governing Commission. A battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment stationed on the outskirts of Saarbrucken, to-day carried out their first long route march. Tho cheerful and friendly demeanour of the men, and their bearing, are reported to have made an excellent impression on the local population.

Tho Saar frontiers aro closed to-day, and until after the plebiscite only those foreigners will bo admitted to tho territory wlioso passports have been specially visaod. As a precautionary measure, all cafes and such establishments must from to-day close at midnight.