KING AND QUEEN ENTER UNITED STATES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 June 1939, Page 5

KING AND QUEEN ENTER UNITED STATES

Welcomed by Secretary of State

STRICT AMERICAN GUARD ON FRONTIER STATION

EVEN MEMBERS OF ENTOURAGE HELD UP

By Telegraph. —Press Association.— Copyright. SUSPENSION BRIDGE (Niagara Falls), June 7. The tiny, dimly lit platform of the little station ot Suspension Bridge became jammed with the American welcoming committee, a horde of pressmen and a guard of honour of t,lie 28th United States Infantry from Port Niagara as the time drew near for their Majesties to cross into the United States. The public were kept well outside the station yards, and tne United States Army had stationed radio units along the entire length of .the line'to Washington, maintaining constant communication throughout the night. The strictness of the American safety precautions was illustrated when troops refused to allow' Lord Eldon and Loic Airlie through to the platform. They explained that they were a Gentleman-in-Waiting and Chamberlain respectively, receiving however, the reply, “It’s no good, buddy. Our orders are to°let no one through.” The Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Mackenzie King, slipped through unnoticed. Their Majesties crossed Suspension Bridge into the United States at 9.40 p.in. (E.S.T.) and were warmly welcomed by an official American party. . • 4 . Their Majesties stepped down from the tram smiling, the King wearing’ a lounge suit, and the Queen wearing a blue and lavender ensemble. The British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Lindsay, greeted them and. then presented the American Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, and Mrs Hull. z Mr Hull, in extending a welcome for his country, said that this friendly visit by the rulers of the British Empire might offer an example to the nations and peoples of the world. lie added that the courtesy, consideration and hospitality characteristic of Americans were extended to their Majesties, and the visit could have none but a thoroughly beneficial effect. Replying, the King expressed his and the Queen’s pleasure at the opportunity to visit the United States, a great and friendly neighbour of his own Dominion, Canada. Mr Hull then introduced the other members of the welcoming committee. Their Majesties spent some moments chatting cordially with Mr and Mrs Hull, who will travel aboard the Royal train.