KING'S REPLY AWAITED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 8, 8 December 1936, Page 7

KING'S REPLY AWAITED

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph — Copyright.) Received December 8, 8.45 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 7. The Prime Minister (Mr Baldwin) to-day made his keenly awaited statement in the House of Commons. Mr Baldwin said: — "It remains the earnest desire of the Government to afford the King the fullest opportunity for weighing the decision involving his own future happiness and the interests of his subjects. At the same time we cannot be unaware that a 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 have been 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 is 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 doubtless will communicate it to the Governments of Britain and the Dominions, who will then decide what advice they feel it is their duty to tender. "I cannot conclude without expressing what the whole House feels—a deep, respectful sympathy with His Majesty at this time." KEEN DESIRE FOR INFORMATION. Mr C. R. Attlee (Leader of the Opposition): 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" and "Order! Order!" Mr Baldwin: I do not know what the King will decide. I cannot enter into hypothetical considerations. Mr G. Lambert: Are you aware that there is deep personal sympathy with the King? (Prolonged cheers.) Mr G. Thurtle: Will you take the opinion of the House on the question of a morganatic marriage? Mr F. J. Bellenger asked whether, in view of the serious dislocation of industry, he would have an early opportunity for a discussion. Both questions were drowned by cries of "Order!" and Were not answered. The House then proceeded to deal with the next business. DISCUSSION IN THE LORDS.

DESIRE TO ELIMINATE DRIFT

Received December 8, 11.40 a.ni

LONDON, Dec. 7

The House of Lords was crowded, with many peeresses in the reserved gallery, when 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 tacts, a discussion would be unreal, and possibly injurious On the other hand, 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 founda t ion.

Lord Halifax promised to convey the remarks of Lord Snell and Lord Crewe to Mr Baldwin, and the House rose.

MRS SIMPSON'S STATEMENT.

POSSIBILITY OE WITHDRAWAL

Received December 8, 11.15 a.m

LONDON, Dec. 7

Iteuter's Cannes corespondent says gtjjfa Sbjpoahauthorised a statement to the eltec that * } become dMy J° fliran'Son 1 UwS the problem The by Lord Brownlow, Lord : in-Waiting to the King.