“KING IS NO MORE”

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 4 March 1935, Page 5

“KING IS NO MORE”

Siam’s Monarch Signs Abdication Announcement INFORMAL CONFIRMATION WILL LIVE IN ENGLAND (United Presß Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright). Received 11 a.m. to-day. LONDON, March 3. Tho King of Siam’s abdication was signed at Oranloigli on Saturday at 1.45 p.m. and handed to the president of the National Assembly Legation, London, at 4.30 p.m. It becomes effective immediately. The Ex-Iving and Quc-en desire to be known as Prince and Princess hodayaThe announcement of the abdication was confirmed in the most informal manner by the j ex-King’s secretary, who, attired in flannels and a sports c-oat, entered the little sitting-room of Prince Suldiodaya’s country home at Knowle Park, and told correspondents waiting: “Well, it is all over. The King is King no more. His feelings may be described as a sad relief, though it is a blow to abandon the throne after an unsuccessful fight for democracy. Pie desires to rest, and will temporarily deny himself to visitors. His future plans are uncertain, but he 'has ®aid the last word regarding Siam. He will stay in Surrey, rthere he is leading the life of a country gentleman, until June, after which he may go to Europe.” During the chat, the ex-King, wealing a sports suit, accompanied by tli? ex-Queen, deprecated the silly habit of referring to him as “Brother of the Moon” and the possessor of 24 unr biellas.

The abdieatory document,, which was addressed to nobody in particular, is merely a general statement of the situation and reviews events since the coup d’etat in 1932 and the ex-King s difficulties with the parties in power. The document does mot indicate a successor to the throne.

Tho Siamese delegation which attempted to dissuade the King from abdicating, will shortly return to Siam.