HL Deb 09 October 1945 vol 137 cc192-3
THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, on April 17 last your Lordships' House agreed to a Motion that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty expressing the deep sorrow with which the House had learnt of the death of President Roosevelt, and on the following day a Message from the King was read to your Lordships indicating that His Majesty would convey to the President of the United States of America your message and your profound sympathy with Mrs. Roosevelt and the late President's family and with the Government and people of the United States of America. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has since received, through Lord Halifax, a Note from the United States Acting Secretary of State, requesting that an expression of thanks of the President of the United States of America may be conveyed to the Houses of Parliament. The Note is as follows:

"Excellency,

"At the direction of the President I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Note of April 27 respecting the messages which both Houses of Parliament addressed to the King on learning of the death of the late President Roosevelt.

"This expression of sorrow originating with the assembled representatives of the British people is a token of kinship which could not fail to be received with especial appreciation by the Government of the United States. The President, therefore, earnestly desires me to ask that you be so kind as to convey to the King and to the Houses of Parliament his profound sense of gratitude for the sympathy which they have so generously expressed in the great loss which our nation has suffered.

"A copy of your note has been sent to Mrs. Roosevelt who, with her family, will also be deeply grateful for this further mark of the sentiment of the British people and their Sovereign.

"I may assure you that the many evidences of sympathy which have been received from all park of the British Commonwealth and Empire will not be forgotten in this country. The Government and people of the United States also cherish the high role which their late President played in furthering the common interests and friendship of the two peoples.

"Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

"(Signed) JOSEPH C. GREW,

Acting Secretary of State."

Ordered, That the said Note be entered on the Journals of the House.