TRAGIC DEATH OF MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 296, 13 December 1940, Page 7

TRAGIC DEATH OF MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN.

ENVOY TO AMERICA.

End Of Brilliant Career In Public Service.

United Press Association.—Copyright. (Reed, noon.) LONDON. Dec. 12. The death occurred at Washington of the Marquess of Lothian, British Ambassador to the United States. He passed away at a.m. after an illness of three day,?. Lorcl Lothian, who was a Christian .Scientist, had 110 medical attention. He was treated by a practitioner from Boston. The announcement of his death was held up five hour* by the coroner. ' The coroner- certified that Lord Lothian's death was due to natural causes, which were uremia and heart and kidney condition. He added tliere would be no autopsy. It was explained that the coroner was called in beet use a physician did rot attend Loril Lothian at the moment of death. A doctor wts called in after hi* death. >Ir. Cordell Hull stated that the I nited States State Department i* considering offering a cruiser to carry Lord Lothian's body to Britain, says a cabin message from Washington.

British Official Wireless says that the news of his death, which was immediately communicated to the King and members of the Government, came as a great shock to the British public.

Lord Lothiaxi was reported to be indisposed yesterday, and his stirring and impressive speech at Baltimore last night was read by the Counsellor of Hie Embassy, Mr. Neville Butler. His important mission to Washington, the conduct of which has been marked by distinction, is recognised on both sides of the -Atlantic as having marked the peak of a career devoted unswervingly and unstintingly to the public service in various fields.

Lord Lothian succeeded to the title in 1930 as Philip Kerr. He displayed the keenest interest in Imperial and international politics and was widelytravelled. During the last war and at the Peace Conference, he was private secretary to Mr. Lloyd (leorge, and before he succeeded to the title he was a Liberal member of Parliament.

Lord Lothian worthily upheld the tradition of Britain's greatest ambassadors, and performed uniipie service, securing complete mutual understanding between Britain and the I'nited States. Knowing both countries as be did. he could speak to each of the other with '.lie -urene«* of touch that comes only from long experience and clo-e personal contact.

His knowledge of the American State was <|iiite invaluable, and he will long be remembered a- one who mo«t faithfully represented the Briti-h Empire in the countrv where he served.

[An artirl;- on Lord Lothian's life and work appears on paye six of this issue.]