PRE-WAR SCENES OF SPLENDOUR

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 153, 24 March 1939, Page 9

PRE-WAR SCENES OF SPLENDOUR

Gala Performance At Covent Garden

FRENCH PRESIDENT IN LONDON Crowded And Decorated Streets (British Official Wireless.) <j (Received Marcli 23, 6.30 p.m.)_ RUGBY, March 22. Scenes of splendour which have not been witnessed at Covent Garden since before 1914 were revived tonight on the occasion of the visit by the King and Queen and President and Madame Lebrun for a gala performance. The Royal Opera House had been transformed for the occasion. A fanfare by six trumpeters of the Life Guards heralded their arrival and the grand staircase leading to the main foyer was lined by Yeomen of the Guard.

Earlier in the day the decorated and crowded streets of London were reminiscent of the Coronation as M. and Madame Lebrun drove from Buckingham Palace to the Guildhall for an official luncheon.

Seated in an open carriage, the visitors headed a brilliant procession which included a Sovereign’s Escort of Life Guards. The guests at the luncheon included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the French and Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, and the French Ambassador, M. Corbin. Hope For The Future. M. Lebrun, replying to the principal toast, said that without opposing themselves to anyone, England and France hoped for the future for all nations, desiring only the maintenance and strengthening of peace. They were anxious only to guarantee the security and happiness of the rising generations, wherever they belonged, and they were resolved to undertake everything Oompatible with dignity and honour and to prevent the return of catastrophies which cost so many tears and so much blood.

In the afternoon President and Madame Lebrun attended a reception at County Hall in connexion with the jubilee celebrations of the London County Council. M. Lebrun, replying to the address of welcome, said that there existed today between the British and French peoples a solidarity of interests, of thought, and of sentiment. They shared the same attachment to liberty and democratic institutions, and the same ideal of peaceful relations between peoples founded on respect for the pledged word.

In the evening M. and Madame Lebrun entertained Their Majesties at a function at the French Embassy, attended by a hundred guests, including Queen Mary, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Princess Royal, and members of Cabinet Afterward the visitors attended the gala performance at Covent Garden.