KING ALFONSO MAYFLY TO SOUTH AMERICA

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17829, 24 April 1926, Page 17

KING ALFONSO MAYFLY TO SOUTH AMERICA

Fleet of ten ’planes may take Spanish Monarch

and Queen to Argentina

A STARTLING air project was being discussed in the capitals of Europe recently, according to the London “ Daily Chronicle.” This was nothing less than a plan for a tenmachine navy of aeroplanes to convey King Alfonso and Queen Victoria of Spain across the Atlantic to Argentina. A dispatch from the “Chronicle’s”Paris correspondent stated that according to a Spanish jovWnalist who had just arrived in Paris from Madrid, King Alfonso and Queen Victoria (“Ena”) were preparing for the most sensational journey ever made by any reigning couple. “It is stated,” said the message, “that the King, who was deeply interested in the recent hydroplane flight of Major Franco to the Argentine, now proposes to pay, with the Queen, an official visit by air next summer to South America- “ Major Franco would be placed in charge of the expedition, so far as the aeroplanes are concerned; and the organisation of a most brilliant official ceremonial would be entrusted to Fernando Diaz Mendoza, a famous actor and stage manager. “The journalist who revealed the plan is Monsieur A. Mar, the Paris corespondent of the ‘Diario Universal,’ of Madrid. “M. Mar says he was told this sensational piece of news by Senor Mendoza himself. “The actor and manager told him that, when once King Alfonso had heard of the arrival of Major Franco in Argentina, the sovereign was so enthusiastic that he immediately cabled to the airman. Messages exchanged were as below: —

King: Alfonso’s cable: “Could you take me and the Queen to Argentina by air?” The reply: “ Certainly.” King Alfonso’s second cable : “Are you sure the journey would be a success?” The reply: “I am certain there would be nothing t*o fear for your Majesty.” “That was enough for King Alfonso, who wired again to Major Franco, ask ing him to return to Spain as soon as he could. “A Spanish warship was placed at the aviator’s disposal for the return journey. “King Alfonso is said to be most enthusiastic about the projected journey and to be taking an active part in its organisation. “Ten big hydroplanes, with up-to-date accommodation for the Royal passengers and their suite—who are to include the Dictator, General Primo de Rivera, four Ministers and several other great personages—are now being built specially for this purpose. “It is expected that everything will be ready for next summer. “The Royal aerial party, consisting of ten 'planes, will leave Palos (The Columbus 1492 jumping-off place in Huelva, S.W. Spain) for the Canaries, and will so go over the route recently taken by Major Franco. “Major Franco himself will be the pilot of the 'plane carrying the Sovereign. “When about to reach the capital of Argentina, the King and Queen will be able, in their big cabin on board their ’plane, to put on their official costumes. “A plane ‘ carrying roses from Spain will precede the Royal aerial party and will drop flowers on Buenos Ayres.”