DISMISSAL REPORTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20385, 23 October 1940, Page 2

DISMISSAL REPORTED

DUKE’S HIGH POST SUCCESSOR APPOINTED STEWARD OF HOUSEHOLD The King has removed the Duke of Buccleuch, brother of the Duchess of Gloucester, from his post as Lord Steward of the Royal Household, states the New York Times of August 21. in a message dated from London on the previous day. The report adds that he was removed on May 10 because of his alleged Nazi sympathies. Rumours that the duke had been confined to his estates in Scotland were denied in high quarters, says the message. At the time of its dispatch he was staying at his home at Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfriesshire. He had been succeeded as Lord Steward by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon. It was reported that some high authorities wanted to go further than merely dropping the duke from his post and make an “example” of him. Acquaintances said he still hoped that Britain would win the war and that he hacl never tried to undermine the country’s war efforts.

The message described him as one of the largest and most powerful landowners in Britain, saying he is reported to own 400,000 acres and to- receive an income of about £200,000 a year from his estates spread over 14 counties in England and Scotland. In addition to his land holdings ho is said to have wide control in'armaments, motor, banking, insurance and railway enterprises. lie is governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland, of which the Earl of Strathmore, the Queen's father, is deputy-governor. The duke had been known as a strong supporter of Mr. Chamberlain's "appeasement” policy, said the report, but he has always seemed to be more interested in the domestic situation than in foreign affairs. At any r3te, he was never conspicuously identified with any “pro” movements. The post of Lord Steward of_ the Household, which the duke has held since 1937, is one of the appointments made by the King and is not a Cabinet selection.