WORK OF THE “MOUNTIES"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 115, 18 May 1939, Page 7

WORK OF THE “MOUNTIES"

PRECAUTIONS DURING ROYAL TOUR UNDER-COVER AGENTS Received May 17, 5.5 p.m. QUEBEC, May 16. The Australian Associated Press special representative says that an aspect of the precautions for the Royal visit which has not been publicised in Canada was revealed in an interview by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Inspector. The “Mounties” have their own secret service, and these under-covermen for months past have travelled the Dominion, chiefly disguised as hoboes. Wherever disloyal talk is heard candid camera shots were taken unknown to the speaker. The AustraI lian Associated Press was shown a I bulky album which is the culmination I of the work of members of the secret police. Four hundred “Mountie” special agents familiar with the contents of the album have been brought in to Quebec for Their Majesties' arrival. They will mingle with the crowds and unobtrusively station themselves alongside any radicals and cranks. They recognise that similar precautions are being taken in other Canadian centres. Modern “Mounties” work with the quiet finesse of Scotland Yard men, with whom they are co-operating. While not leaving loopholes, there is no desire to make wholesale arrests, and the only arrest so far was due more to excess loyalty. A French Canadian spent 6000 dollars on decorating his home and then wrote to Their Majesties inviting them to stay with him. He was disreply and waited on the reception committee. Receiving a blunt “no,” he then broke up the meeting and stormed out with the remark. ■ “well, if they don’t stay with me they j won’t stay with anyone.” | The police concentration here is the ; greatest in the city’s history, j “Mounties” and half the strengths of ! the provincial police are supplementing the city police. The background of every guest in Quebec hotels is investigated, and the police have also investigated the occupants of all houses along the 23 miles procession route, which will be guarded by a double line of trops. Photographers have been forbidden” to use flash-bulbs or approach within 20 feet of Their Majesties. The Royal automobiles, like the Royal train, are constructed of reinforced steel, fitted with bulletj proof, unshatterable glass. The Royal I Canadian Air Force has ordered police (aeroplanes to enforce the regulations forbidding aircraft within three miles iof any town in which Their Majesties are staying, or within three miles of the Royal train. CANADIAN NAVY KING ACKNOWLEDGES WELCOME ( British Official Wireless. ] RUGBY. May 16 i The King sent the following message to the Canadian destroyers ! Skeena and Saguenay which are escorting the Empress of Australia:— I “It is a great pleasure to me, on entering Canadian waters, to be gieetIcd by my Canadian Navy. I thank '■ you for the welcome you have given me, and congratulate you warmly on the fine appearance of your ships.” The officers and ships’ company of the Skeena and the Saguenay replied thanking the King for his gracious signal, adding, “We could have no greater honour or pleasure than in welcoming Your Majesties to Canadian waters.” Apart from the curtailment of the Royal stay at Ottawa and an alteration at Kingston, Ontario, no material change is being made in Their Majesties’ arranged programme.

ROYAL GARDEN PARTY MUCH DISAPPOINTMENT AT WASHINGTON. NO ADDITIONS TO LIST. ’ Received. May 17, 5.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, May 16. j Reports continue of disappointment ' over the invitations to the Royal gar- ; den party at the British Embassy. j it is stated that no names will be i added to the list despite the scores.of

requests received daily. Lady Lindsay, wife of the British Ambassador, | expressed particular regret that she is unable to include the daughters of 1300 to 1400 expected guests.