ANXIOUS HOURS

Evening Star, Issue 22516, 8 December 1936, Page 9

ANXIOUS HOURS

Awaiting King’s Decision \ Statement by Mr Baldwin Government Will Give Advice When Time Comes Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright ,, t , .-' K LONDON, December 7.' '(Received December 8, at 9 a.m.) In tbe House of Commons Mr Baldwin said: It remains the earnest desire of the Government to afford the King the fullest opportunity for weighing his decision, involving his own future happiness and the interests of his subjects. At the same time we cannot - he unaware that considerable prolongation of the suspense is at the risk of the gravest national and Imperial interests. No one is more insistent on this aspect than the King himself. In view of other statements, I must say that with the exception of ‘a morganatic marriage no advice was tendered to His Majesty, with whom my conversations ‘were strictly personal and informal. This matter was raised by the King himself in conversation with me some weeks ago, when he, for, the first time,' indicated his intention of marrying Mrs Simpson whenever she was free. The subject, therefore, has been for some time in the King’s mind, and as soon as His Majesty has arrived at a conclusion as to the course he desires to take he will doubtless communicate it to the Governments of Britain and the dominions, who will then decide what advice they feel it their duty to tender. I cannot conclude without expressing what the whole House feels—that is, the deep and respectful sympathy with His Majesty at this time. Major Attlee: I hope you will bear in mind the request that the House should receive the fullest information at the soonest possible moment. Mr Baldwin: The situation at the moment is grave. While the King is considering matters it would be most difficult to answer supplementary questions. Mr Winston Churchill: Can Mr Baldwin give an assurance that no irrevocable step (Loud shouts of “No!” “Order! Order!’-’) Mr Baldwin; Ido not know what the King will decide. I t|l ,,pannot enter into hypothetical considerations. ' ; Mr G. Lanibert; Are you ‘aware that there’is deep' pergonal sympathy with the King? (Prolonged cheers.) Mr E. Thurtle: Will you take the opinion of the House on a morganatic marriage ? Mr E. J. Bellenger asked whether, in view of the serious dislocation of industry, there would be an early opportunity ‘ for discussion. Both questions were drowned in cries of “ Order!’’ and were not answered. 1 The House then proceeded to the next business.

A NEW DEVELOPMENT mmims offer WILL WITHDRAW IF IT WILL SOLVE PROBLEM LONDON, December 7. (Received December B,' at noon,) Reuter’s Cannes correspondent says: Mrs Simpwn has authorised the statement that she would wish immediately to withdraw from a situation which has become untenable if such action would solve the problem. The statement was read to journalists by Lord Brownlow. WISHES TO AVOID HURT TO KING ORTHROHE CANNES, December 7. (Received December 8, at 1.5 jim.) Mrs Simpson’s statement was read by Lord Brownlow to a score of journalists assembled in the Hotel Majestic, who said: “Mrs Simpson throughout th« last few weeks has invariably wished to avoid action or proposal which would hurt or damage His Majesty or the Throne. To-day her attitude is unchanged, and she - is willing, if such action would solve the problem, to withdraw forthwith from a situation that haa been rendered both unhappy and untenable.” LAW OF SUCCESSION THE STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER DIVERGENT VIEWS DN AMENDING ACT LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 9.5 a.m.) ‘The Times,’ in an editorial, says; It ia laid down in the preamble to the Statute of Westminster that change in the law of succession requires the assent of all the Parliaments of the Empire. ' The law is not that an Act amending the succession is binding only within the jurisdiction of the particular Parliament passing it, but that until all Parliaments pass the Succession Act it is not binding anywhere. i Xj» -Jlonung Poet’s diplomatic j

correspondent, on the contrary, points out that only South Africa has adopted the statute. The legal position, therefore, though not necessarily the position in practice, seems to be that while the United Kingdom is constrained from altering the succession to the Throne without the unanimous consent of all the dominions, none of the dominions except South Africa is so constrained individually. ANOTHER CONCLUSION LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 10.30 aim.) The ‘ Morning Post ’ says: It appears to follow that, while Australia, for example, can prevent a change in succession, Australia herself is not bound to obtain the assent of the United Kingdom to any such alteration in so far as it concerns Australia. The passing of a morganatic marriage law by the United Kingdom is only possible if all the dominions agreed, bufT'Australia, it seems, could adopt a law to-morrow making the Duke of York King provided he would accept the title. It is a nice point whether the preamble’s declaration is binding in law, but it may be taken in practice that all the dominions, with the possible exception of the Irish Free State, would so regard it. HEAVY MAILS AT FORT BELVEDERE HUNDREDS OF MESSAGES DF LOYALTY LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 11 a.m.) His Majesty was out walking in the grounds at Fort Belvedere in brilliant sunshine after an icy night. Hundreds of messages of loyalty are pouring into Fort Belvedere by every mail, necessitating extra deliveries. MANY SYMPATHISERS IN HUNGARY LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 1.30 p.m.) An idea of the size of the King’s mail may be gathered from a statement from the Hungarian Post Office that during the last five days 2,000 telegrams of sympathy were sent to King Edward by Hungarian women of all classes, in addition to 500 dispatched to London florists ordering flowers to be sent to His»Majesty.,

MRS SIMPSON’S HEALTH LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 10.30 a.m.) The ‘ Daily Sketch ’ says Mrs Simpson is ill, but the ‘ Daily Mail ’ says she is only very tired, and is remaining in bed. UNCONVENTIONAL FRONT PAGE LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 10.45 a.m.) The ‘ Daily Mirror ’ contains an unconventional front page. “ God save the King ” supersedes a reduced title line, then in the boldest type are the questions :—“ Will the Government approach the dominions to reconsider their verdict against the King and consent to his marriage? ” Also, “ Would abdication mean the King’s exile? ” • These questions are sandwiched between still larger type: ‘‘ Forty-five million demand to know ” and “ And then they will judge.” THE HOUSE OF LOROS A SHORT DISCUSSION LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at noon.) The House of Lords was crowded, with many peeresses in the reserved gallery. Lord Halifax, in reply to a question by Lord Snell, repeated Mr Baldwin’s statement in the House of Commons. Lord Snell said that without the essential facts a discussion would be unreal and possibly injurious. On the other hand 1 , the matter should not be allowed to drift indefinitely. He hoped the Government would give information as soon as the circumstances permitted. Lord Crewe said it was gratifying to know that the statements that the Government had applied some undue pressure to His Majesty to declare his decision were without foundation. Lord Halifax promised to convey the remarks of Lord Snell and Lord Crewe to Mr Baldwin. The House then rose. EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 7. (Received December 8, at noon.) The Prime Minister was loudly cheered from all parts of the crowded House of Commons when he made his statement regarding the King. A similar statement to that made by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons was read in the House of Lords by Lord Halifax. The Marquess of Crewe, for the Liberals, said: “I fed that we are all indebted' to the Prime Minister and the Government for the attitude which they have adopted in this difficult matter. I should like also- to add to what has been said in expression of our profound sympathy with His Majesty, an equal expression of sympathy with the Royal Family and, in particular, with Queen Mary, who has won so completely th,e respect and affection of His Majesty’s subjects. POSITION OF CANADA HOUSE OF COMMONS DECISION OTTAWA, October 7. (Received December &, at 1 p.m.) An issue arising among House of Commons members is whether the Prime Minister went contrary to the Statute of Westminster in advising Mr Baldwin that it claimed that the Canadian view should have been expressed through the Governor-General as the personal representative of the King. The Prime Minister is silent. Lord Tweedsm'uir was absent, but it is understood that on bis return be communicated with the King after a conference with the Prime Minister. The House of Commons rank and file are emphatic that Mr Baldwin cannot speak for Canada, and insist that nothing will he done until the King asks Canada’s advice, when the issue will be settled in Parliament. NEED FOR CALM DELIBERATION DESTINY OF GROWN NEED NOT BE SETTLED IN A WEEK LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 12.5 p.m.) “ The country will be glad to note that the Government is affording the King the fullest opportunity of weighing his decision,” says the ‘ Daily Mail,’ pointing out that it is less than a week since the crisis broke to public notice. It says: “The destiny of the Crown, which has endured for centuries, need not be settled between a Wednesday and a Wednesday. The King must wholly understand by now that whatever constitutional issues have to be faced one sentiment predominates. It is a'simple human abiding feeling that to lose this young leader, whom the people havp learnt to trust and love, would be one of the darkest tragedies that ever befell the loyal and devoted subjects of a realm. Ministers, as never before, must bend their minds to this profound Empire problem, and must examine every loophole and search exhaustively for a compromise. When the King acquaints them with his further wishes the nation will pray that a way of accommodating them will be found to the advantage of the Empire and the King.”-

MR MONGKTON AT DOWNING STREET LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 11 a.m.) Mr Monckton, K.C., is again at No. 10. MR CHURCHILL'S CONVICTION LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 11.5 a.m. 1 ) In proposing the King’s health at the Anglo-French Society Mr Churchill said: “ Having known His Majesty since his childhood, I am perfectly sure that never cither in the letter or spirit will he bo found to act contrary to the Constitution.’’ CHALK SLOGANS ON WALLS LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 12.15 p.m.) Various suburban police courts dealt with cases in which accused were fined or discharged with a warning'for damaging property by chalking “ Stand by the King,” and similar slogans, sometimes accompanied by the Blackshirt swastika, on walls. PAMPHLETS SOLD BY YOUTHS LONDON, December 7. (Received December 8, at 1 p.m.) Shortly after Mr Baldwin returned to Downing Street at 9.15 p.m. a group of youths passed along Whitehall selling pamphlets and shouting: ‘‘Stand by the King.” REBUFF FOR MR CHURCHILL POOR HEARING IN HOUSE

LONDON, December 7. • (Received December 8, at 1.15 p.m.) While Mr Churchill was asking Mr Baldwin questions in the House of Commons there were cries of “Shame!” and “Sit down!” Mr Churchill continued, and there were further cries of “Speech!” The hostile reception to Mr Churchill was the sole topic in the lobbies after Mr Baldwin’s statement. It was recalled that Mr Churchill turned from side to side as though seeking some encouragement. Finally he spread out his hands in a helpless gesture and sat down. The members are unable to remember such a rebuff of a public figure. The ‘ Manchester Guardian’s ’ political correspondent says it had been claimed that there were at least 50 members of the House of Commons associated with Mr Churchill, but they did nothing to help him. Mr Baldwin carries all but the merest fraction of the House with him. INMAN NATIONALIST PRESS FAVOUR KING MAKING OWN CHOICE ALLAHABAD, December (Received December 8, at 1.15 p.m.) The Nationalist Press unanimously favours the King marrying whom he chooses. EARLIER MESSAGES AWAITING MR BALDWIN'S STATEMENT LONDON, December 7. Mr Malcolm MacDonald, Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, was an early visitor to No. 10 Downing street, carrying a bundle of documents, which it is assumed are in preparation for Mr Baldwin’s statement in the House of Commons, which is expected at 3.45 p.m. After that the ordinary business of the House will be resumed. AT FONT BELVEDERE LESS OVERNIGHT ACTIVITY LONDON, December 7. There was less activity overnight at Fort Belvedere, and this was confirmed by the earlier extinction of the lights which had hitherto been visible well into the morning. Mr W. T. Monckton again spent the night at Fort Belvedere, and left for London at 9.30 p.m. MRS SIMPSON'S ESCORT LONDON, December 7. The ‘Daily Telegraph’ says that Lord Brownlow. Lord-in-Waiting to the King, escorted Mrs Simpson from London to Cannes. IRRESPONSIBLE COMMENTS CABINET'S ACTIONS DEFENDED LONDON, December 6. ‘ The Times,’ in a leader, deprecates irresponsible comments and adds: “ The problem raised by the King can be solved only by the King. Three false charges have been made against Dir Baldwin and his colleagues—namely, that they presented the King with some form of ultimatum; that they influenced their dominion colleagues and the Opposition leaders to bring pressure to bear on the King; and that they are now pressing the King to renounce his project or abdicate. Tljese charges are. gut

forward under cover of a plea for time and patience. There can bo no thought of hurrying the King’s choice, but he will be tbo first to see that a reasonably speedy answer is required. Until that decision is taken let there be a truce to the insinuations against British and dominions Ministers.”

LABOUR PARTY’S ATTITUDE MAJOR ATTLEE’S STATEMENT CAUSES SURPRISE LONDON, December 6. In connection with Major Attlee’s denial of Mr Churchill’s statement, “ there is no foundation for such a statement,” this is now interpreted to mean that Major Attlee gave no assurances that ho would not form an alternative Government, thereby confronting the King with an ultimatums Surprise is felt that Major Attlee should have allowed such a long interval to lapse before his denial, as it is recalled that the ' Daily Mail ’ on December 3 stated that Mr Baldwin had informed the King that the Opposition would not form a Ministry, and ‘ The Times ’ parliamentary correspondent, stated in the present case that there was no alternative Government which would carry out the King’s wishes. The ‘News Chronicle’ says: “It became known yesterday that with Mr Baldwin’s concurrence the King saw Mr Churchill on Friday night. It may, therefore, be assumed that Mr Churchill’s plea for time represents the King’s mind. NO LEGAL STANDING POSITION OF THE DOMINIONS LONDON, December 6. Lord Marley, in a lecture in New York to-day, said: “ The dominions have no legal right to play any part in the Simpson case. Truthfully 7, several dominion Governments do not represent their peoples one bit more than does the Parliament at Westminster speak for England to-day. Mr Baldwin consulted the dominions with a view to obtaining support for his own Cabinet. The effect of the Empirewide appeal has been imposing, yet I believe it means less than nothing.” CHURCH AND DIVORCE A SHARP STATEMENT MONTREAL, December 5. Bishop Manning, of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, asked for God’s support and guidance, especially at this time, for our brethren in the British Empire and the, Church of England. ' The Rev. Clement Rogers, Professor Emeritus of pastoral theology at King’s College, London, before preaching a sermon at Trinity Church, issued a sharp statement to the Press that the Church of England would not re-’ cognise remarriage of divorced persons. “ We do not recognise bigamy. I think if she had been a respectable woman the English people would have welcomed a commoner to the, throne. Some think it is no shame for a woman to put aside two husbands in the hope of a more brilliant alliance, but I think it is a disastrous business, and has done a great deal of harm. Such a marriage could have done much to draw England and America together, but this situation has put us apart.” STUDENTS’ OBJECTIONS NEW YORK, December 6. A Harvard University publication prints a cablegram from its representative in Oxford outling the undergraduates’ objections to Mrs Simpson, containing almost obscene references. IRISH PRESS COMMENT DUBLIN, December 7. Mr de Valera had a conference with Messrs R. Walshe, Secretary of the Department of External Affairs, J. Murphy, Assistant Secretary 7,, and T. Hearne, the department’s legal adviser, following a communication being received from the Dominions Office after the London Cabinet meeting. The ‘ Irish Times ’ coihments: “ The King must choose between his Crown and Mrs Simpson. It is well the air should be cleared by Mr Baldwin, for the people know precisely where they stand. Enemies of the British Commonwealth everywhere are waiting a chance to undermine its interests, and it is essential that the British peoples shall show a united front. Without a strong monarchy no such front is possible.” STATUTE OF WESTMINSTER CANADIAN OFFICIALS STUDYING CLAUSES NEW YORK, December 7. The New York ‘Times’ Ottawa correspondent says: “Some Canadian editors are growing restive and people are beginning to ask whether Mr Baldwin has been using the dominions to further his own purpose. Meanwhile, Government experts are studying the constitutional question. They are uncertain whether the clause in the Statute of Westminster giving the dominions a voice in the Royal succession will apply in the event of abdication, but there is no doubt that here, too, the Canadian Government will take a lead from Mr Baldwin.”

KING’S CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION SOME LEGAL INTERPRETATIONS LONDON, December C. The ‘Daily Mail,’ discussing problems arising in the event of abdications, points out that Mr Arthur Berriedale Keith, in discussing the King’s constitutional position in his bopk, ‘ The King and the Imperial Crown,’ expresses the opinion that abdication would probably be legally ineffective unless confirmed by Act of Parliament and by legislation, including the debarring of the issue of post-abdication marriage. Some legal experts think that neither the British nor the dominion Governments need to he consulted regarding abdication unless the King desires to surround abdication with conditions requiring discussion, while in connection with the preamble to the Statute of Westminster, which demands that the dominions should concur in questions affecting the Throne, jurists declared that the preamble could not be quoted in a court of law, being only a series of assertions and not legally binding. Another question is whether abdication can become a clear-cut issue for the electorate, which would be impossible under present laws unless a referendum was introduced, .which would require special legislation. AUSTRALIAN CABINET MR HUGHES CAUSES EMBARRASSMENT CANBERRA, December 7. The Prime Minister, Mr J. A. Lyons, had occasion to rebuke Mr W. M. Hughes, Minister’ of Health, for going to Sydney during the week-end. Mr Hughes also caused embarrassment to his colleagues by contributing an article to this morning’s ‘ Sydney Morning Herald ’ somewhat along the lines of Mr ChurduU’s, giving the impression that he had been in direct communication with Mr Churchill. However, the situation eased to-night, and Mr Lyons announced that the Ministry was united and will sit until the early hours of the morning awaiting Mr Baldwin’s announcement, which has already been conveyed to Mr. Lyons by the British High Commissioner, Sir Godfrey Whiskard. AN OFFICIAL DENIAL NO PRESSURE BROUGHT BY AUSTRALIA CANBERRA, December 7. The Federal Cabinet met to-day and resumed discussions involving the King. It was decided to await Mr Baldwin’s statement in the House of Commons. Ministers are reported to be perturbed at the suggestion that the dominions’ Governments brought pressure on Mr Baldwin, and an official denial is given to the suggestion that Australia had taken the initiative in placing its views before the British Government. It is, however, learned that the Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) informed Mr Baldwin some time ago of his own views on the matter, which was then strictly confidential, but only within the past few days has the subject been referred to the Cabinet, which confirmed Mr Lyons’s viewpoint. FIRST COMMUNICATION FROM BRITAIN SYDNEY, December 7. The 1 Sun ’ deprecates the attempt overseas to make political capital o,ut of the crisis which is shaking the Empire. An editorial adds: “ Until the British Government informed the Commonwealth Government at the end of last week of the tragic difference between the King and his Ministers, the Commonwealth Government was entirely unaware of' tho crisis. While there is ample evidence that the first approach was from the King to the British Cabinet, there is equal warrant for the belief that the first communication from the British Government came as a complete surprise to the Governments of -Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. ; " NO CHANGE ” STATEMENT BY MR SAVAGE [Pbr United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 7. “ There has been no change in the position,” said) the Prime Minister (Mr Savage) to-day after another Cabinet meeting to discuss the constitutional crisis in Great Britain over ’ “ King Edward’s matrimonial intention.” “ We are expecting further information to-morrow from the British Government. It is expected that Mr Stanley Baldwin will make a statement in the House of < Commons to-day (Monday, English time). I would say that the latest indications suggest that the situation is less difficult. Of course, the decision at the moment rests with the King, and until that is known nothing more can be said. When the time comes for it the New Zealand Government will make a statement about the question as a whole and its attitude toward a difficult and very delicate question.” In reply to a question Mr Savage expressed the opinion that a General Election in Great Britain over the crisis was unthinkable. Why, he said, both sides would be discussing the same policy. Such a position would be farcical and merely nothing better than political confusion. “ Let us hope the British Throne will never become the shuttlecock for a political fight.” It is gathered in parliamentary circles that whatever may be the_ outcome of the constitutional crisis at Home, there will be no necessity for a General Election in New Zealand or in any other self-governing dominion. LONG CABINET SITTINGS MINISTERS PUZZLED OVER DELAY [Special To 1 the * Star.’! WELLINGTON, December 8. A meeting of Cabinet, which commenced at 10 o’clock, continued until after 1, when there was an adjournment

til] 2.30, the Prime Minister having no statement to make. . It was evident _ that the Ministers were closely attending to whatever business was before Cabinet, as there were no temporary absences as occasionally happens, when a Minister will return to his office to deal with an urgent matter. The constitutional crisis has certainly affected the smooth course of the Administration of New Zealand s own affairs, for it has dominated the position this week, Cabinet sitting for many hours yesterday, and Ministers holding the view that there will be important developments. They are apparently puzzled over the delay, but are maintaining their undivided attention to the situation. KING POPULAR IN GERMANY WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE HIM ABDICATE [Pee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, December 7. “I am certain the people of Germany would not like to see King Edward abdicate. He is very popular in Germany. Long before other peop.e thought about it he tried to get some friendship between the German and British people. He is regarded as the man responsible for getting better relations between Germany and England.” This comment was made by a German author and journalist, Dr Ivar Kissner, a doctor of Haw of Erlangen University, who is a through passenger by the Aorangi from Sydney, collecting material for another book. “ The Fatherland is intensely, interested in the British Empire,” said Dr Kissner. “ The people of Germany are reading with interest arjcles published on England or the dominions.”.