KING’S SAFETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1921, Page 5

KING’S SAFETY.

THE VISIT TO BELFAST. DEPARTURE FROM LONDON. RUMOR OF SINN FEIN PEACE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, June 21. There were remarkable scenes of enthusiasm at Euston Station when the King and Queen left for Holyhead, the crowd cheering and shouting “Good luck and a safe return,” and singing the National Anthem. Special precautions were taken to safeguard their Majesties, men being posted along the permanent way in sight of one another on the whole route from Euston Station to Holyhead. According to the Central News there is a remarkable report, said to be on good authority, circulating in the lobby tonight that Sinn Fein intends to signalise the King’s visit to Belfast by offering peace to his Majesty. JOURNEY TO IRELAND. PRECAUTIONS TAKEN IN DUBLIN. GUARDING THE PROCESSION. Received June 22, 7.35 p.m. London, June 21. The King and Queen crossed the channel to Ireland escorted by a flotilla of battleships and destroyers. The most elaborate precautions are being taken to guard against the possibility of a Sinn Fein outrage and troops and police continue to be drafted into Belfast. The route of the procession will be cut off from the rest of the city and their Majesties will proceed surrounded by a dense bodyguard of picked Life Guards, Ulster Rifles and police. A house-to-house search will be conducted, as well as all roofs overlooking the route.—Times Service, THE KING’S SPEECH. WILL REFLECT BRITISH POLICY. Received June 22, 10.45 p.m. London, June 21. Mr. W. M. Hughes has sent a message on behalf of Australia congratulating Ulster on the opening of the Irish Parliament. Mr. Austen Chamberlain, in the House of Commons, announced that the King’s speech at Belfast would be made on the advice of the British Cabinet and not on that of the Government of Northern Ireland.