MOMENTOUS DINNER PARTY AT FORT BELVEDERE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 65, 10 December 1936, Page 11

MOMENTOUS DINNER PARTY AT FORT BELVEDERE

Mr.- Baldwin, Duke of York and Duke of Kent Sit at Same Table KING EDWARD’S DECISION NOT YET REACHED Reported Feeling Early Announcement is Essential By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright (Received December 9. 10.50 p.m.) London, December 0. The “Daily Telegraph” says it was learned late last night that Kinc Edward has not yet reached a decision, and it is improbable thatSfr Baldwin will be in, a position to make a statement in .he House of Commons to-day concerning the crisis that has arisen over f-he Kind’s desire to marry Mrs. Simpson. . h Cantain Duffdale M P., Mr. Baldwin’s Parliamentary private secretary confirmed a statement that a statement by Mr Baldwin today is improbable, when he left Downing Street shortly after midnight. Though it is too early to formulate any prophecies there is a certain amount of satisfaction obtainable from the fact that nothing has occurred as a result of Mrs Simpson’s statement o revocation. The entire Empire awaits the Kings response, without way of sealing over the dinner table is being given its chance. Per haps the tnost m.omentons dinner party in the entire Empire last night was that at bort Belvedere when England’s Prime Minister was the King of England s guest The Duke of York and the Duke of Kent sat at the same table. It was a momentous evening. Mr Baldwin s fellow-guest, were Sir Eric Mieville, Secretary to the Duke of York, and Mr. \\. T Monckton, Attorney-General to the Duchy of Cornwall. The only announcement regarding last night s occurrences was that Mr. Baldwin left Fort Belvedere shortly after 10 p.m. Sir John Simon drove from the House of Commons to Downing Street and discussed the situation with Mr. Baldwin after his return from Fort “The Times” Parliamentary correspondent, after announcing that the lateness of Mr. Baldwin’s return from Fort Belvedere precluded a statement in the House of Commons, says that the feeling is. steadily growing that an early announcement of the King s intentions is essential not only in the interests of Parliament but of trade and commerce. The “Manchester Guardian’s” political correspondent says that the House of Lords met at 10.45 last night, a most unusual proceeding The reason was to pass the Expiring Laws (Continuance) Bid. It is contended that the Bill had to be passed last night, but another explanation of the proceeding is that the measure is being got out of the way in readiness for any needed emergency legislation if the King were to abdicate.