FLAT REFUSAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 12, 15 January 1929, Page 7

FLAT REFUSAL.

GEN. BOOTH'S REPLY. Cannot Retire And Council Can Only Depose. LEGAL BATTLE PROBABLE. (United Service.) (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 14. General Booth's reply was completed last night. It is not a refusal to retire, says the "Daily Mail," but a declaration that he has no power to do so. The "Daily News" says it is a flat refusal to retire. Meanwhile dramatic developments are promised when the High Council resumes to-morrow, as the result of doubts as to the legality of the council's decision to ask the general to retire.

The "Daily Mail" says: "According to the Army's deed poll, the council only possesses power to depose the general on the ground of unfitness to continue in the leadership."

A Salvationist official told the "Mail" that the general has not power to retire. If he does, it is highly probable he will be acting illegally. This fact will b<! brought to the council's notice, probably forcing the reconsideration of the position afresh. The council may refuso, however, whereupon the matter may be decided in the Courts.

NEW PLAN.

Proposal To Make Booth Field-Marshal. DR. HART INTERVENES. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 12 noon.) RUGBY, January 14. It is stated that when Staff-Captain Dr. Hart arrived at General Booth's residence at Southwold he endeavour?d to arrange a compromise. Dr. Hart said that his plan was to promote the general to the rank of fieldlnarshal. It is thought that Dr. Hart may induce the general to modify any attitude of a flat refusal to retire. Mrs. Booth, the general's wife, who will convey the general's reply to the High Council, has delayed her departure from Southwold. It is believed this is the result of Dr. Hart's efforts.

LEGAL POINTS.

Summoning Of Council Held To Be Constitutional. PROCEED TO DEPOSE CHIEF. (Australian Press Assn. — United Service.) (Received 12 noon.) LONDON, January 14. It is learned that General Booth's reply was taken to Sunbury by Commissioner Hay. Two King's Counsellors, whose opinion was taken before summoning the council, reaffirmed the opinion that the council was acting entirely constitutionally. It is expected that the debate wi'l be resumed to-morrow and will extend to two or three days. It is stated that the council thus far has excluded General Booth's legal adviser and has also refused his request for a shorthand report of the proceedings. Commissioner Hay, asked to reply to this assertion, issued an official statement. "The council has not debated the question whether the general should be legally represented." In regard to the shorthand report the president has no comment to make.

The "Daily Herald" understands that despite General Booth's refusal to resign. which will be accompanied by an impassioned appeal for reconciliation, the High Council will proceed to depose him and appoint a successor. The most favourer! candidates are Eva Booth and Commissioner Hurren, an ardent reformist.