“FANTASTIC” REPORTS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20822, 5 June 1939, Page 3

“FANTASTIC” REPORTS

MRS ROOSEVELT’S DENIAL ENTERTAINING ROYAL GUESTS Mrs Roosevelt intervened personally recently to quash some of the fantastic reports which have been spread about the forthcoming visit of the King and Queen to Washington. She told a Press conference that she had not been furnished by official British sources nor by any individual British subject with any suggestions on how she should look after the comfort ur entertainment of their Majesties during their two-day stay in Washington as guests of the United States. The only official discussions, she said, had been on measures for the protection of the Royal visitors, which bad been worked out by Scotland Yard, the Washington police authorities and the Federal Bureau of investigation. Hot-water Bottles Among some of the fantastic reports which had been circulated were that the White House had been requested to see that an adequate hot-water supply was available for the hot-water bottles of the Queen’s Ladies-in-Wait-ing, who would bring their own bottles. it had even been reported that there was to be an otlicial inquiry into the condition of the plumbing in Liie White House. It was also reported that the precise style of making the Royal beds had been detailed. The King’s bed—according to these fantastic reports—must have its eiderdown quilt turned down at one corner, while the Queen’s must be turned down at both corners. This whispering campaign had been fostered and spread by many who felt themselves entitled to invitations to some of the functions which their Majesties would attend, particularly the garden party at the British Embassy. Even if the garden parly had been held at the White House, enabling very many more to attend, there would still have been some disappointment. Lady Lindsay’s Responsibility The matter is looked upon philosophically by those in charge ol’ arrangements. They agree that it would have been unfair to have placed on the President and Mrs Roosevelt the onus of making the invitations. They would have brought down political and social animosity on themselves. Lady Lindsay, the wife of the Brit-

ish Ambassador, has assumed entire responsibility for her guest list. The garden party will be her last public appearance in Washington before Sir Ronald Lindsay retires. She is thus in a better position to take any criticisms. A slight difference of opinion exists, Mrs Roosevelt revealed, between herself and the President’s mother, Mrs James Roosevelt, about the visit of the King and Queen to Hyde Park, the President’s country estate. Should there be a picnic, with the traditional hot dogs—Frankfurters—or should there be a more formal garden party? Mrs Roosevelt was in favour of hot dogs, the President’s mother favoured a garden party. An all-American programme of dancing and music will follow' the State dinner at the White House on June 8, Mrs Roosevelt said. Two outstanding American artists will be included in the programme. Their names are being withheld, but one of them is believed to be Marian Anderson, the coloured singer. Woollen Dresses Mrs Roosevelt also brought up the question of climate and referred humorously Lo the report that both she and the Queen, in the interests of the

wool industry, would wear Woollen dresses when they first met, despite the hot June weather. The Queen's dress will be of wool from the United States and her own of wool from the British Dominions, she explained, and added that she had been thankful to discover that one sample cloth presented to her was very light in weight. Mrs Roosevelt declared that since the King and Queen were young and adaptable, she was confident it would not be hard to make them comfortable. She felt that perhaps they would welcome some change from what they had been accustomed to. what they had been accustomed to, that very little should ever be changed. Mrs Roosevelt confessed, however, that she could not provide the King with a linen blanket, which, someone told her, lie like/1 on his settee. Siie did not even know what a linen blanket was. Mrs Roosevelt expressed regret 'lni she would be unable to aceoinmouate all the Royal suite, which she understood numbered 30 or 40 persons, but the White House was not large enough.