SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 249, 22 October 1942, Page 5

SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM

SMUTS GIVEN AN OVATION.

P.A. Cable.

LONDON, Oct. 21.

Nearly 1000 Peers and members of the House of Commons, including all the Cabinet members, met secretly in London to-day to hear Field Marshal Smuts's speech. Mr Lloyd George presided and the High Commissioners, including Mr Jordan, sat facing Field Marshal Smuts, divided by a gangway from Cabinet Ministers, behind whom were the Lords and then the members of the House of Commons. There were thunder-

ous cheers and clapping as the Speaker, the Lord Chancellor, Mr Churchill, . and Mr Lloyd George walked down the aisle, followed by General Smuts, who walked alone.; Field Marshal Smuts wore a -field j marshal's uniform and his breast was ablaze with medals and ribbons. The hall seated about 800 and many members of the Commons found standing room only. The audience frequently cheered and applauded the visitor throughout his speech, especially when he made a reference to China, Holland, Greece and other oppressed nations; but the loudest cheering followed his praise for Russia. When the Field Marshal sat down Mr Churchill rose to thank him. The proeeedings then moved to a tumultuous climax. Mr Churchill asked everyone to rise and accord Field Marshal Smuts the acclamation he deserved, and the audience cheered and applauded for over a minute while Mr Lloyd George and Mr Churchill warmly shook his hand. Then someone started "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," whereupon Mr Churchill motioned the audience to join in. Three cheers followed.