MOMENTOUS NIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 292, 9 December 1936, Page 7

MOMENTOUS NIGHT.

VITAL DINNER PARTY. EMPIRE AWAITS KING'S RESPONSE. MR. BALDWIN'S STATEMENT TO-MORROW. United Press Association.—Copyright.—Re-c. 2 p.m. LONDON, December B. Though it is too early to formulate any prophecies, there is a certain amount of satisfaction obtainable from the fact that nothing irrevocable has occurred as a result of Mrs. Simpson's statement of revocation. The entire Empire awaits the King's response, without which no further step can be taken. Meanwhile, the traditional British way of settling matters over the dinner table is being given its chance. Perhaps the most portentous dinner party in the entire Empire to-night was that at Fort Belvedere, when Britain's Prime Minister was the King's guest. The Dukes of York and Kent sat at the same table. It was a momentous evening. Press commentators would give their ears to know what occurred. Mr. Baldwin's fellow guests included Mr. Walter Monckton. While the dinner party was drawing to a conclusion a motor was hurrying to Cannes from Marignane aerodrome, where three men had landed from an aeroplane. They were Mr. Theodore Goddard, one of Mrs. Simpson's solicitors, his clerk, Mr. Sidney Barron, and also Dr. Douglas Kirkwood. Meanwhile, Major the Hon. Alexander Hardinge, the King's Private Secretary, called on the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace. The only announcement regarding to-night's occurrences was that Mr. Baldwin left Fort Belvedere shortly after 10 o'clock. No further developments are expected to-night. Sir John Simon, Home Secretary, drove from the House of Commons to Downing Street and discussed the situation with Mr. Baldwin after his return from Fort Belvedere. The only development at Cannes was when Mrs. Simpson posed for photographers. She declined an invitation to smile, saying that this was no moment for smiling. Major Attlee will seek full information in the House of Commons, when Mr. Baldwin is expected to make a statement after the morning's Cabinet.