KING’S MARRIAGE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 313, 4 December 1936, Page 7

KING’S MARRIAGE

CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS DESIRE TO WED MRS SIMPSON CABINET AVERSE AND THREATENS TO RESIGN (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright.) LONDON, Dec. 0. King Edward to-day received the Prime Minister (Mr Stanley Baldwin). The Manchester Guardian says: “It can no longer be concealed that a constitutional crisis confronts Cabinet.” In a leader the Daily Mail says: “Nothing can be gained by minimising the magnitude of the constitutional crisis that has arisen over the King’s marriage plans and matters affecting - his private life, on which Cabinet felt it necessary to tender advice which tlie King regarded as an intrusion into lus private affairs. . “The matter was not, perhaps handled with all the delicacy and tact called for, but the whole Empire is looking anxiously to the King and the Government to solve a problem unprecedented in our history, for a solution must be found. “ABDICATION WOULD BE CALAMITOUS.” ‘‘An act of abdication at such a time would fill the hearts of millions of the King’s loyal subjects with deepest sorrow. No such calamitous step need or should be taken. Immensely much depends on the King, for by the effect of the Statute of Westminster he is the lynch-pin of Empire and the sole link between the Mother Country and the Dominions. \v hen such is the position there is every confidence among his wide and varied peoples that he will answer the Imperial call in the same splendid manner as so often in the past. Certainly in this supreme moment the whole nation will unite in piayei that His Majesty and his Ministers may reach a solution ot the grave problem with which they arc confronted, and thus avert a catastrophe.” . . The political correspondent of the Daily Mail says it is understood that Air Baldwin, during the audience with His Alajesty, stressed the gravity of the situation of the Crown as affecting national and'lmperial interests at a critical moment in international affairs. He reported that Ministers had had to pay particular attention to reports from some Dominion Governments stating frankly their attitude to His Alajesty s rumoured projects. Air Baldwin, on behalf of the united Cabinet, is understood to have tendered an expression of deep regret that Cabinet had reached the conclusion that, unless an agrement could be reached, there must arise a Ministerial situation which might precipitate a constitutional crisis. He declared that in Cabinet’s opinion the King’s wisest course now was to announce publicly that he does not propose to marry. Lord Halifax, Leader of the House of Lords, called on All Baldwin soon after breakfast. The Press Association says the situation is more pressing in consequence of recent urgent representations from the Dominions.

PREMIER’S CAUTION. NO STATEMENT AT Pit E SENT. QUESTIONS IN COMMONS. LOYALTY TO MONARCH. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Deceived December 4, 'J.2o a.in. LONDON, Dec. 8. In the House of Commons only Mr Walter ltunciman, Mr Ernest Brown, and Sir Kingsley Wood were on the front bench at the beginning of question time. There was an atmosphere, of suppressed expectancy. .... . , , The Prime Minisetr (All - Stanley Baldwin) entered at 8.14 p.m. and was received with loud and profound cheers when he rose to answer a routine question. Mr AVill Thorne (Labour) asked: What is the reason for all this cheering? Amid general laughter, Air Baldwin's brief reply was inaudible, but there was renewed laughter among those around lit. Hon. J. C. Wedgwood (Labour) gave notice of motion that, “in the opinion of the House, the Oatli of Allegiance they have already taken to King Edward will not be affected by any form of Coronation ceremony or by the presence at it, or absence from it, of any dignitary or personage whatsoever, nor will they substitute any other for the King of England.” DANGER OF CHANGE. Air AVedgwood, explaining the motion, said: Wo have to avoid abdication. The King is beloved, and any change would tear the country in two. If a general election follows tlie reply would be on the side of the King. NO STATEMENT TO MAKE. At 3.47, Air C. It. Atlee (Labour) asked if any statement could be made regarding the constitutional difficulties which had arisen. Air Baldwin replied: I have no statement to make to-day. While there does not at present exist any constitutional difficulty, the situation is of such a nature as to make it inexpedient that I should be questioned about it at this stage. Air Attlee asked whether, in view of the anxiety in the minds of the British people, he would assure the House that he will make a statement at the earliest possible moment it cun be made. Air Baldwin: I have all that very much in mind. Air Winston Churchill (Con.): AVill you give an assur-' ance that no irrevocable step will be taken before a formal statement is made through Parliament? (Opposition will consider and examine your question. DOMINIONS FULLY INFORMED. AS CONCERNED AS BRITAIN. AIRS SIMPSON’S SILENCE. “NO AVTSII TO MAKE STATEMENT.” Received December 4, 10-15 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 3. ' The Associated Press learns that the Dominion Governments have been fully informed of all the fact ß .in the poisession of the British Government. It is realised that the Dominions are equally as concerned as Britain. 11,111 'official circles decline to reveal whether Hr. tun..has songM the views ot the Dominions, but it is telt that l 1 . of the Statute of Westminster have undoubtedly guided Bntisii "“‘“it is understood that any statement will be made by Mr Baldwin in the House of Commons, perhaps within 6b houis The police stopped photographers approaching Alls SimpSOtl has no wish to make any statement aUdl concerning certain reports which‘ V™ Simpson's resipnpers, was tie reply Uwin imlimy she )uls tlie last three days, having been confined i (1 he* room by the doctor’s orders.