THUNDEROUS OVATION PRAISE FOR RUSSIA EVOKES LOUD CHEERING

Evening Star, Issue 24332, 22 October 1942, Page 5

THUNDEROUS OVATION

PRAISE FOR RUSSIA EVOKES LOUD CHEERING

Nearly 1,000 peers and members of the House of Commons, including all Cabinet members, met secretly in London to-day to hear General Smuts’s speech. Mr Lloyd George presided, and the High Commissioners, including Mr Jordan, sat facing General Smuts, divided by the gangway from Cabinet members, behind whom were the Lords and t then members of the Commons. There were thunderous cheers and clapping as the Speaker, tho Lord Chancellor, Mr Churchill, and Mr Lloyd George walked down the aisle followed by General Smuts, who walked alone. He wore a Field-marshal’s uniform, and his breast was ablaze with medal ribbons. The hall seated about 800, and many members of the House of Commons found standing room only. The audience frequently cheered and applauded General Smuts throughout his speech, especially when he made reference to China. Holland, Greece, and other oppressed nations; but the loudest cheering followed his praise for Russia. When General Smuts sat down Mr Churchill rose to thank him, and the proceedings then moved to a tumultuous climax. Mr Churchill asked everyone to rise and accord General Smuts the acclamation he deserved, and the audience cheered and applauded him for over a minute, while Mr Lloyd George and Mr Churchill warmly shook Ids hand. Then someone started “ He’s a jolly’ good fellow,” whereupon Mr Churchill motioned the audience to join in tho three cheers that followed.