Strangest Day the Nation Has Known for Over a Century

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 288, 5 December 1936, Page 5

Strangest Day the Nation Has Known for Over a Century

POPULACE SYMPATHISE WITH THE KING Received Saturday, 1.30 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 4. Lobbyists record a feeling of optimism in regard to the position arising out of the King’s desire to marry Mrs. Simpson. In well-informed quarters there are indications, as a result of last night’s events, when the King was in touch with his mother and brothers, as well as Mr. Baldwin, that the situation has been considerably ameliorated. It is believed that a proposal, which it is hoped will be acceptable to all concerned, is under consideration. Mr. Baldwin will consult the Dominions to-day, and it is not likely that there will be any public pronouncement to-day. Though he did not reach Fort Belvedere till 2 a.m., the King left again at 8.45, apparently for London. The approaches to the grounds are still carefully guarded. Sir Eric Mieville, private, secretary to the Duke of York, spent half-an-hour at No. 10 Downing Street, and Sir John Simon followed at 10.10 a.m. Mrs. Simpson is believed to be staying with friends in the country in Surrey. A taxi loaded with several cases left her town house after breakfast. A later message states that Mr. Baldwin and Sir John Simon left No. 10 Downing Street to attend a meeting of Ministers in the House of Commons at 10.30. The Daily Telegraph’s Paris correspondent says that the King’s private aeroplane was awaited at Le Bourget to-day, and it is expected that Mrs. Simpson will be aboard. . The Associated Press learns that the machine is still in its hangar at Hendon, with which the King’s pilot, WingCommander Fielden, has been in frequent touch during the past 24 hours. Reports persist that Mrs. Simpson went to Europe to-day.

Mr Baldwin Again Questioned NO STATEMENT AT THE MOMENT Received Saturday, 1.30 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 4. Iu the House of Commons Major Atlee (Leader of the Labour Party) asked Mr. Stanley Baldwin .whether he had any further statement to make in regard to the constitutional position. Mr. Baldwin, who appeared pale and haggard, replied: . “I regret to say that at the moment I have nothing to add to yesterday’s reply. While being just as alive to what was asked me yesterday as to the urgency of the matter, some decision will he made known at the earliest possible moment. ’ ’ Mr. Winston Churchill repeated his yesterday’s question and Mr.

Baldwin replied: “I have nothing more to say than yesterday.” Sir W. H. Davidson (C.): Do you hope to make a statement at a later sitting? Mr. Baldwin: No, I cannot add anything. Mr. J. J. Tinker (Lab.): Will it be Monday or later? Everybody is anxious for something definite. Mr. Baldwin: I recognise the anxiety, hut cannot say more at the moment.

BOMBAY, Dec. 3,

“Distinct Service to British Democracy"

The Chronicle says: “The King is trying to render a distinct service to British democracy by proposing as its head' to marry democratically. Our sympathies arc entirely with, him.”

SYMPATHY POR PRIME MINISTER

Received Friday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 4.

There was a tense scene when Mr. Baldwin entered the House of Commons this afternoon. The House was packed and everyone was expectant. His statement was greeted with cheering lasting almost a minute. The Times’ Parliamentary correspondent says: ‘‘The cheers must have shown the Prime Minister how deep and widespread has been the sympathy during the intolerable strain of the last few days and how solid would be the backing if it were needed.” Mr. Baldwin read the words slowly and carefully from typescript. All was over in three minutes, and members rushed out to discuss the crisis.

The general opinion in the lobbies to-night is that a way cut of the dilemma will be found. A statement is not expected in the House of Commons to-morrow, but it is thought the position will be clarified early next week, when Mr. Baldwin will make a more specific statement.

There is considerable support for Colonel Wedgwood’s standpoint. The Labour executive held a lengthy meeting to-night, but came to a conclusion that no decision could be reached by them at present. In the meantime it advised Labour members not to refer to the matter in week-end speeches. Visitors to the House of Commons included the Archbishop of Canterbury. The cancellations of engagements by Royalties all refer to early dates and include the Princess Royal’s. Municipal meotings to consider Coronation arrangements have been postponed at Warington and Leighton Buzzard.

All Ministers Except Two Would Resign

Received Saturday, 1 a.m. LONDON, Doc. 4.

Way Out of Dilemma Expected

According to the Morning Post’s political correspondent, all the Ministers except Sir John Simon and Major DuffCooper, are prepared to resign rather than consent to the King’s marriage .with Mrs. Snip son,

LONDON, December 3.

In the House of Commons only Mr. Walter Runciman, Mr. Ernest

Brown and Sir H. Kingsley Wood were on the front bench at the beginning of question time and there was an atmosphere of suppressed expectancy. Mr. Stanley Baldwin entered at 3.14 p.m. and was received with loud and profound cheers when he rose to answer a routine question. Mr. Will Thorne asked : “What is the reason for all this cheering?” Amid general laughter Mr. Baldwin’s brief reply was inaudible, but there was renewed laughter among those around him. Colonel Wedgwood gave notice of motion “that in the opinion of the House the oath of allegiance they had already taken to King Edward would not be affected by any form of Coronation ceremony or by the presence at it, or the absence from it, of any dignitary or personage whatsoever, nor will they substitute any other for the King of England.” Colonel Wedgwood, explaining the motion, said that they would have to avoid abdication. The King was beloved and any change would tear the country in two. If a general election followed, the reply would he on the side of the King. At 3.47 Major Atlee, Leader of the Opposition, asked if any statement could be made regarding the constitutional difficulties which had arisen.

Mr. Baldwin replied: “I havo no statement to make to-day, and while there does not at the 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.” Major Atlee asked whether in view of the anxiety in the minds of British people he would assure the House that he will make a statement at the earliest possible moment it can be made. Mr. Baldwin: “I have all that very much in mind.”

Mr. Winston Churchill: “Will you give the assurance that no irrevocable step will he taken before a formal statement is made

Charged Atmosphere in House

ABDICATION MUST BE AVOIDED.

through Parliament. (Opposition cheers).” Mr. Baldwin: “I have nothing to add to my statement, hut will consider and examine your question.”

No Protest CANADIAN ASSURANCE. ' OTTAWA, Dec. 3. The Prime Minister has been stirred by the flood of rumour and states that he does not intend to be drawn into discussion. Other officials are emphatic that Canada has made no protest to London, but it is revealed that the Government has been advised of the developments by. Mr. Baldwin,