The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-05-25

The Parisienne who had discussed fashions quickly offered the reason for Frances failure to keep up with American production. "You see," she explained, we have been at- tackled by Germany three times with Q short space of time and we haven't had time to catch up."
 The graciousness, the hospitality, and the ftiendliness of American people was lauded by all, and they expressed an admiration for many American customs and manners. A blue-eyed Belgium bride was pleas ingly surprised to discover young people here enjoyed greater free- dom. Couples were always chaper- oned in her native country, and were obliged to be home not later than ten o'clock at night, she said.
 "Of course" interjected the Parisienne in the biege suit, That is the custom. But we didn't always abide by it. We manage to get out alone"
 Americans Fine Husbands
 The question of whether Ameri- can children have greater respect for their parents precipitated heated and lengthy discussion in French. In due time, an interpreter said tersely, "YeS and mo-" where upon American marriages come in for full consideration.
 It was agreed wives in this coun- try have much more liberty and many more advantages than French women, but definietly do not spend as much time in the home.
 Tn France" one bride explained, "the wife works veree, veree hard in the home. She does everything. She knits. too. She does not smoke, Non! And never does she go out with girl friends alone. The wife she never works in a factory"
 All decided, without any weigh ing of facts, that American men made splendid husbands, but some American men were bit lax about their dress and manners. Do you know what I have seen?" said one. "A man put his feet up on the table. Ugh!"
 None were confident of world peace, and they spoke of the out break of another war without eno- tion. "The news from home dur ing the past week is very bad, in deed, said a curly-headed blonde. We shall have another war within six months-RusSia is 8 menace. Yes, 1t Is true the French swung to Communism, but in the June election, we are swinging definitely to the right. We will have a So- cialist government"
 Two Italian brides from Naples, although manifestly enjoying the reception, were not so concerned with American manner as the plight of the starving, ill-clothed people in their native country.
 With the aid of an interpreter, an 18-year old girl declared, T think America is beautiful" adding quickly, because my husband is here" She admitted she was very lonely.
 Suffering Widespread in Italy
 Speaking at length on the wide spread suffering in Italy, she said that law and order were completely gone. People live from day-to-day, and get what they can. Theft is not uncommon. Though food and clothing is obtainable, the major ity are doing without because of unprecedented high prices.
 She said to the interpreter, We have no OPA to limit prices, and everything is beyond reach. A pair of grey suede shoes, which she wore, had cost 50, pair of in- ferior grey stockings, $8.
 Another girl stated she had paid $1OO for suit, which was stolen at the docks when she was leav- ing for America.
 The girls landed the American Red Cross for the relief given the Italian peoples, but further stated that even packages sent from America had been footed before reaching their destination.
 Tt is impossible for people here to imagine that much of the suf- fering existing in Italy" said one girl, measuring an inch with her fingers. She arrived here less than month ago. Italians pray to all the saints all the time for aid from America. Even our men home from prison camps are hungry"
 A Joint Is Not q Joint!
 The English girls, by far the tall est and fairest of all brides pres ent, appeared to be adjusting them selves easily to the American way of life-with one exception. They, too, are having little difficulty making themselves understood.
 For instance, one young lass from Worcestershire asked her fiabber- gasted butcher for joint, which, don't you know, is very important to the British well-being. since 1t is one of those rare roast beefs served with Yorkshire pudding. And can't you just imagine the poor girls feelings when she learned joint is interpreted by Americans as meaning a pub-or tavern, and at that not the best type.
 News from England indicates that reconstruction is progressing rapid ly under the new labor government. Rations on food and clothing have been frightened. however, to send food to Europe.
 Though 1t was apparent all Eng fish women present hoped America might grant the English sloan. a Londoner and a strong adherent of the new Labor party, said:
 T think that 1t is really for America to decide-without outside pressure. You too have veterans to care for, you have unemployment, strikes. and many people in need. They must be cared for first. Then I would say If you have 6 surplus which you could grant to the Eng lish, it would be very nice"
 SCREENODDITY
 1anhnrv QcOkt who lparnnd tO