SECRET WELL KEPT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 January 1943, Page 3

SECRET WELL KEPT

MEETING OF THE ALLIED LEADERS SURPRISE FOR TROOPS. STRICT PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, January 26. Both President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill flew to Casablanca for the conferences. Mr. Rooseevlt, who is the first United States President to leave ,'Jiis country during war, arrived a few ’ Hours before Mr. Churchill. The President had flown by clipper to a point in South Africa, where he trans- , ferred 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 characterised 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 photogaphers. 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. 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 guns had been brought to the area, while the blackout was perfect. THE FAMOUS SMILE. Mr. Roosevelt’s presence in Africa was not even suspected by a regiment of United States soldiers when they saw a convoy of limousines escorted by scout cars 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. k Scores of fighters formed an umbrella ovei’ 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 Michelier, the commander of the French fleet which opposed the Allies’ landing in North Africa. MESSAGE FROM THE KING. Mr. Churchill, before setting out for Casablanca, saw his Majesty, who gave him formal permission to 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 to Africa in the same Liberator in which he went to Cairo and Moscow in August. The machine had the same pilot, Captain Vanderk Doot, and the same crew. Mr Churchill spent some hours in a bunk fitted on the flight deck, but frequently visited the pilot’s cockpit.