FRIENDSHIP OF TWO NATIONS

Southland Times, Issue 23840, 10 June 1939, Page 7

FRIENDSHIP OF TWO NATIONS

Use Of Methods Of Peace

PRESIDENT PROPOSES HEALTH OF KING

GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO CIVILIZATION (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 9, 10.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 9. The text of Mr Roosevelt’s toast at the State dinner at White House was as follows: In the life of a nation, as in individuals, there are occasions that stand out in high relief, such as the present one, when the entire United States is welcoming on its soil the King and Queen of Britain, our neighbour, Canada, and all the far-flung British Commonwealth of Nations. It is an occasion for festivities, but it is also fitting that we give thanks for the bonds of friendship linking our two peoples. I am persuaded that the greatest single contribution our two countries have been enabled to make to civilization and the welfare of the peoples throughout the world is the example we have jointly set by our manner of conducting our relations. It is because each nation is lacking in fear of the other that we have unfortified borders between us. It is because neither fears aggression on the part of the other that we have entered no race of armaments one against the other. EPISODE IN PACIFIC The King and I are aware of a recent episode when two small uninhabited islands in the centre of the Pacific became of sudden interest to Britain and America as stepping stones for commercial airlines between America and Australia. Both nations claimed sovereignty and both had good cases to have entered' into a long-drawn argument which could have meant illwill between us and delay in the use of the islands by either. It was suggested that the problem could be solved by the joint use of both islands and a gentleman’s agreement to defer the question of ultimate sovereignty to the year 1989. The passage of 50 years will solve many problems. If this illustration of the use of the method of peace divorced from aggression could only be universally followed, relations between all countries would rest upon sure foundations and men and women everywhere could once more look upon a happy, prosperous and peaceful world. May this kind of understanding between our countries grow ever closer and may our friendship prosper. Ladies and gentlemen, we drink to the health of his Majesty King George VI. The King’s response to Mr Roosevelt’s toast was as follows:—

The visit which the Queen and I are paying you today is something which has been in our minds for many weeks and if we had our moments of anxiety they have served to make us realize how intensely we have been looking forward to the present occasion. I wish, therefore, in the first place to thank you for your kind invitation and your still kinder welcome. We have been deeply touched by the manner in which Washington already has received us. We expect to enjoy every minute of our remaining time in the United States. GREETINGS FROM CANADA From Canada, which we have just left and whither we will soon return, I bring you today the warm greetings of a neighbour' and trusted friend. From my other Dominions, from the United Kingdom and from all my Empire I carry to you expressions of the utmost cordiality and goodwill. As I drink the toast to you, Mr President, I wish you every possible health and happiness. I trust and believe that in the years to

come the history of the United States will continue to be marked by that ordered progress and prosperity which has been theirs in the past. I pray that our great nations may ever in the future walk together along the path of friendship in the world of peace. KING REMINDED OF WAR DEBT AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVE SENDS TELEGRAM WASHINGTON, June 8. A variety of incidents were connected in one way or other with the visit of the King and Queen. They were first met by the announcement of the release of “General” Sean Russell, the Irish' Republican Army leader, in Detroit on bond, thus obviating the threat of some Congressmen to boycott the congressional reception to the King and Queen tomorrow. Russell will be given a hearing on Saturday on the deportation warrant charging him with overstaying his 30 days’ visitor’s permit. Second, Mr Martin L. Sweeney announced from the floor of the House of Representatives to some applause that he had telegraphed the King reminding him of Britain’s War Debt to the United States.

Third, the State Department disclosed that it had received an anonymous warning which had been forwarded to the New York Police containing the addresses of 15 dance halls, bars and other places which the writer said were meeting places of radical organizations and where, if a search were made, bombs would be found which were being prepared for the King and Queen. The police immediately placed cordons round the places mentioned.