The event was held in the Dining Room of the Race Club, which had been tastefully decorated with British and American flags and the standards of the United Services Association and the Frederick Ward Post of the American Legion. In attendance was ihe band of the Ist, Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders which played throughout the reception.
"On behalf of members of the United Services Association," stated Mr. A. H. Atkins, Chairman of the Association, "I wish to extend a very hearty welcome to the American Great War veterans and also to their wives. This morning we celebrated the birthday of His Majesty King George VI and tonight we are on the threshold of another great event—the first visit of the reigning British monarch and his Consort to the U d States.
"To commemorate the occasion the American Legion, Frederick Ward Post, and the United Services Association, have sent the following cablegram to President Roosevelt: "On ihis the first occasion of the meeting on American soil of the heads of our two great countries, we the American and British Great War veterans in Shanghai, tender our respectful felicitations.
With the words "I now ask you to charge your glasses to the President of the United States." The toast to the President was drunk with acclamation following the strains of the American National Anthem.
"Side by Side"
In reply Mr. Hyde stated. "Fellow Veterans of the World War, on behalf of my comrades of the American Legion, on this memorable occasion of the visit of your King and Queen to our country, I am certain that every American throughout the world will feel that it is a privilege for them to visit our country and I am certain that all Britons will feel that it i also a privilege for their King and Queen to visit American soil.
"We are bound by very close ties and I feel sure that this visit will multiply and enhance these ties which bind these two great countries together. We sincerely hope that there will never be another World War. but should this be forced upon us you will find the Yanks in the first line trenches side by side with you. Our countries are two great democracies with the same principles, and I esk you all to drink a toast to Their Majesties the King and Queen of England."
This was preceded by "God Save the King,"
Among those present at the reception were Sir Herbert Phillips, H.M. Consul - General:—Major- General: T. X. Simmons, Commander of the British Forces in Shanghai; Col. J C. Fegan, Commandant of the Fourth United States Marines; Col. J. W. Hornby, Commandant SV.C. and other American and British military officials, Shanghai Man ju
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.