Cheers For Queen Mother In Tunis

Press, Volume C, Issue 29497, 26 April 1961, Page 2

Cheers For Queen Mother In Tunis

(NJZJ’.A.-Reuter— Copyright)

(Rec. 8 p.m.) TUNIS. April 24. Shouts of “Hurrah for England,” and “Long live the Queen.” greeted the Queen Mother when she arrived in Tunis today on board the Royal Yacht Britannia for a four-day State visit, British United Press reported. Thousands of Tunisian* lined the street* and gave her a great welcome. Many waved Union Jack*. Ships in Tunis harbour sounded their sirens in salute as the Royal yacht docked. The Queen Mother, radiant in a coat and dress of pale blue, with matching hat and shoes, reviewed a guard of honour and received a bouquet of white lilac* from a Tunisian girl.

Then she received the cheers of thousands as she drove through the streets to the presidential palace to meet President Bourguiba. Though it was a normal working day, there were many more people on the street* than usual to cheer the Royal visitor. The Queen Mother'* ear stopped several times so that she could accept flowers from groups of young girls. The Queen Mother stepped, smiling, from her car as it drove up at the steps of the palace. Tunisian flags and Union Jacks flew and a

detachment of the presidential guard, with sabres drawn, stood at attention.

Mr Bourguiba stepped forward to greet the Queen Mother. They chatted for a few moments and then the President presented a line of Tunisian dignitaries to the Royal visitor. After greeting the members of Mr Bourguiba's Cabinet, the Queen Mother and Mr Bourguiba went to one of the private rooms of the palace, where refreshments were served. They chatted about the Queen Mother’s trip. After 20 minutes, the Queen Mother left for the Royal yacht for a brief rest. She dined at the palace this evening.

In London, the “Daily Sketch" appealed to Britain to bring the Queen Mother out of the Algerian danger area.

Under the heading “The Queen Mother Next Door To Flash-Point,” the newspaper said it was feared in France

that the Queen Mother might find herself visiting a country at war. She had arrived on an official visit to Tunis “just a* the rebel army in Algeria looked a* if they might plan an attack across the Tunisian border.” It said the Tunisians were speaking of another Sakiet—the Tunisian village bombed and Shelled by the French army in February. 1958, because it was Mid to be harbouring rebels. "Die Tunisian Government was known to be reinforcing its border troops. “For the peace of mind of us all, may the Queen Mother please be brought home, or at least, out of the area of tension,” it asked.