TROOPS’ SURPRISE

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 105, 28 January 1943, Page 5

TROOPS’ SURPRISE

Heavily Guarded Convoy (Received January 27, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 26. Both President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill Hew to Casablanca for rhe conferences. .Mr. Roosevelt, who is the first United States President to leave his country during war, arrived a few hours before Mr. Churchill. The President had flown by clipper to a point, in South Africa, whore he transferred to a four-engined bomber. He arrived near Casablanca late in the afternoon and motored to his villa, where he met his son Colonel Elliott Roosevelt. After Mr. Churchill's arrival the procedure was discussed and the series of meetings began. Informality characterized the talks between the two leaders, whether at conferences or meals. The Press conference following the momentous meetings was held on the lawn of the lovely villa, with Messrs. Churchill and Roosevelt and Generals de Gaulle and Giraud sitting in a semi-circle surrounded by about 60 British and American war correspondents and photographers. The four posed for the photographers and then, as Generals de Gaulle and Giraud were snapped shaking hands, Mr. Roosevelt remarked that it was an historic moment. The two generals then withdrew. "More Brass Hats.” Elaborate precautions were taken to guard .Messrs. Churchill and Roosevelt during their stay at the small holiday resort where the conferences were held Guards were stationed everywhere, and scores of anti-aircraft gmiy bad been brought io llie area, while the blackout was perfect. Mr. Roosevelt’s presence in Africa, was not even suspected by a regiment of United Stalos soldiers when limy saw a convoy of iimousines escorted by scout earn armed with heavy machineguns approaching. ‘'Another bunch of brass hats,'' some growled. Then the man with the famous smile —Mr. Roosevelt—passed, riding in a jeep, and .the whole regiment, who could hardly believe their own eyes, smiled back. Scores of lighters formed an umbrella over the convoy, and roads and bridges were specially guarded. The French population were most surprised when they learned of the arrival of the distinguished visitors. Mr. Roosevelt gave a dinner for the Sultan of Morocco and his son, and found them wholeheartedly for the Allies. Among Mr. Roosevelt’s visitors were General Nogues and Admiral Michelicr, the commander of the French fleet which opposed the Allies' landing in North Africa. Message from His Majesty.

Mr. Churchill, before selling out for f'acablaneii, saw His Majesty, who gave him formal permission Io leave the country and wished him good luck. It. is understood that the King gave him a special message for President Roosevelt. Mr. Churchill left. London by car on the evening of January 12 for an aerodrome and travelled tn Africa in the same Liberator in which lie went to Cairo ami Moscow in August. The machine had the same pilot, Mr. Vandork Doot, ami the same crow. Mr. Churchill spent, come hours in a bunk fitted on the flight deed:, but frequently visited the pilot’s cockpit.