CLIMAX IMMINENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 9, 9 December 1936, Page 9

CLIMAX IMMINENT

DECISION EXPECTED SOON. “WAY MADE CLEAR.” JOURNEYS TO BELVEDERE. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, Dec. 8. The News-Chronicle’s political correspondent says:' “The crisis is now racing to its climax and a decision by the King one way or the other is expected within a comparatively few hours. Immediate developments are likely to be a „ summons to Mr Baldwin to go to Fort Belvedere to-day and probably a Cabinet meeting in the afternoon or evening.” The Chronicle adds: “The way of personal renunciation has been made eiear for the King by the act of the woman he loves. What she can do he also can do, and it is his duty to do it.” The Daily Telegraph’s political correspondent says: "It is understood the King’s decision is not likely to be available until Wednesday or Thursday. His Majesty has been profoundly impressed by the evidence of the country’s feelings, while the warmth of. Mr Baldwin’s reception in the Commons is regarded as an indication that Parliament supports the Government. The King has not encouraged the idea that he is in conflict with the Government and would disapprove any attempt to stir up a controversy on such lines.” The News-Chronicle, says Cabinet has been summoned for to-morrow. According to the newspapers tljo King’s decision is expected to-day or to-morrow. A car believed to be carrying documents from London arrived at Fort Belvedere at 2 a.m. All eyes are now set on Fort Belvedere, where the Duke of York spent five hours last night, not leaving till 1 a.m. A terrific frost made the roads leading to the King’s country seat like a sheet of glass in the morning, creating .havoc with the traffic and causing dozens of motor breakdowns. The large Royal limousine conveying Mr W. T. Monckton, K.C., to London at 8.45 had literally to crawl its way through stranded cars and lorries. There was little traffic to Fort Belvedere during the night with the exception of a mystery car at 2 a.m., which is believed to have brought documents. It seemed a quiet night within and only one light was visible in the upper storey after midnight. The Kng is still impossible of access. 'Sir John Simon and Sir Samuel Hoare. members of Cabinet, were the first callers on Mr Baldwin, otherwise Downing Street was quiet. Mr Churchill declined an invitation to broadcast to America. The Times lobbyist says Mr Churchill experienced the most striking rebuff in modern Parliamentary history. The House of Commons had been irritated on Friday when he persisted in repeating his question, and there was a real wave of anger yesterday when he returned to the point. There is evidence of the immense growth of mail to Fort Belvedere. Hitherto a motor-cyclist coped with it all. Now a postal delivery van is necessary. It is understood the increase is mainly letters from subjects.