FETING HITLER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 103, 4 May 1938, Page 7

FETING HITLER

ITALIAN PREPARATIONS AN EXPENSIVE DISPLAY (Times Cable.) LONDON, May 2. The Rome correspondent cf the Times says: “The city is preparing for a hectic week. Herr Hitler’s visit is likely to become legendary. Never sirtce the Field of the Cloth of Gold has one ruler made more elaborate and more extravagant efforts to impress another. It is estimated that the cost is between £3,000,000 and £4,000,000. Almost the entire fleet of 200 vessels, including 90 submarines, have been assembled for the display at Naples, and there will be equally impressive air force and army concentrations.” The Field of the Cloth of Gold was the name given to ..ho place between Guines and Ardres where Henry VIII of England met Francis I of France in June, 1520. Before the castle of Guines, a temporary palace, covering an area of nearly 12,000 square yards, had been erected for King Henry. It was decorated sumptuously, and, lik, the chapel, furnished with a profusion of golden ornaments. The size of Henry’s following may be gathered from the fact that in one month 2200 sheep and other viands in a similar proportion were consumed. In the fields beyond the castle 2800 tents were erected for less distinguished visitors. After Cardinal Wolsey had visited the French King at Ardres. the two monarchs met at the Vai Dore, a spot midway between the two camps, on June 7. The subsequent tournaments, banquets and entertainments lasted nutil the 24th. The meeting maed a great impression on contemporaries, but its political results were very small. Henry shortly after enjoyed an equally friendly meeting with Francis’ rival, the Emperor Charles V. GREAT FAREWELL HITLER LEAVES BERLIN. BERLIN, May 2. Thousands of people uproariously farewelled Herr Hitler at 4.45 p.m. when he left for Rome. All work ceased early, the employees marching in bodies to line the streets. The Anhalt station was a forest of Italian and German flags. Field-Marshal Goering, in a speech, said that Herr Hitler's visit was of the greatest importance to the peace of the world, because two of the greatest men of the country were meeting in Rome. Herr Hitler talked animatedly on the platform with Field-Marshal Goering, who is temporarily head of the State. Herr Hitler was obviously in his best humour. < COMMENT IN GERMANY MEETING OF THE GREATEST MEN OF CENTURY Received May 3, 10.20 p.m. 'BERLIN, May 3. The newspapers unanimously acclaim “the meeting of the two greatest men of the century” and remind Signor Mussolini of his previous’ declarations regarding the solidarity of the Berlin-Rome axis, while the socalled peaceful atmosphere of the axis talks is contrasted with the alleged war-like spirit of British and French discussions.

THE FRONTIER CROSSED HITLER REACHES ITALY Received May 3, 11.45 p.m. ROME, May 3. Herr Hitler’s train crossed tire frontier and arrived at Brenner station, which was decorated with flowers and hung with flags. The Duke of Pistoia. (representing King Victor) and Signor Starace, welcomed the Fuhrer while carabinieri presented arms and bands played the German Anthem. A national holiday was declared throughout Italy in honour of Herr Hitler's arrival. Although the newspapers publish columns about Herr Hitler’s visit, they give great prominence to Mr. Chamberlain’s speech and eulogise the happier Anglo-Italian atmosphere.