“NOT A WORD OF TRUTH IN IT"

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21826, 4 July 1936, Page 15

“NOT A WORD OF TRUTH IN IT"

MR BALDWIN ON RUMOURS OF HIS RETIREMENT REPLY TO COMMENT ABOUT HOLIDAY (Received July 3, 1-30 p.m.) LONDON, July 2. The Prime Minister (Mr Stanley Baldwin), who attended the centenary dinner of the City_o on don Conservative Association, sat back smiling and puffing his pipe as the chairman, toasting him amid applause, expressed pleasure f ft® Prime Minister’s presence after his Sh Mr Baldwin recalled that Disraeli and Gladstone, who lived an , ag f of comparative leisure, could have ffons for long holidays without p ovoking comment. “I have bee ” office more or less for more than 18 years,” he said. “I am getting rather tired, and I am not sleeping too well. I took the liberty of absenting myself for three days, in which I learned that there had been a procession of doctors to Chequers, that the telephone wires were fusing with requests that I should return to London, and that I was breaking up and that my resignation was imminent. There is not a word of truth in it. I will retire when I think fit. The moment I feel incapable of sustaining the burden I shall be prepared to pass it on.” At this remark there were cries of: “Not until after the Coronation.” Mr Baldwin continued: “I will be no light judge of the requirements of the position, but it is for me to decide without dictation.” Mr Baldwin recalled the words of Abraham Lincoln, whom he described as subjected to no less criticism than himself, and who minded it just about as much. “I will do the very best I can, and I mean to keep doing it until the end,” he said. “If the end brings me out right, what has been said against me will not amount to anything, but if the end brings me out wrong, 10 angels swearing that I am right will make no difference.” Notwithstanding the “Daily Mail’s” continued prominence to the story that Mr Baldwin wishes to retire within the next six weeks, which “The Times” described as fantastic, Mr Baldwin reappeared in the House of Commons this afternoon. ■The Prime Minister’s health is much improved by ’ his rest at Chequers, and he was loudly cheered as he took his seat. As a counterblast to the campaign suggesting that he is retiring it is asserted that his Cabinet colleagues are insisting that Mr Baldwin should spare himself. He will attend the House only twice weekly. Mr Baldwin declared that he will be thoroughly rejuvenated after the summer recess and a holiday.