MRS. SIMPSON WISHES TO WITHDRAW IF THAT WILL SOLVE PROBLEM

Northern Advocate, 8 December 1936, Page 5

MRS. SIMPSON WISHES TO WITHDRAW IF THAT WILL SOLVE PROBLEM

Mr. Baldwin

‘Situation Unhappy and Untenable’

“ CONVERSATIONS; PERSONAL . AND INFORMAL ”

“DEEP AND RESPECTFUL SYMPATHY FOR HIS MAJESTY”

[United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.! - (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, December 7. A REUTER MESSAGE PROM CANNES STATES THAT MRS SIMPSON HAS AUTHORISED A STATEMENT THAT SHE WISHED IMMEDIATELY TO WITHDRAW FROM THE SITUATION, WHICH HAS BECOME UNHAPPY AND UNTENABLE, IF SUCH ACTION WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. Mrs Simpson’s statement was read to journalists by Lord Brownlow, Lord-in-Waiting to the King, according to the “Daily Telegraph.” Lord Brownlow accompanied Mrs Simpson to Cannes. The announcement was dictated to' a score of journalists assembled in the Hotel Majestic by Lord Brownlow. He added; Mrs Simpson, throughout the last few weeks, has invariably wished to avoid action or a proposal which would hurt or damage His Majesty or the Throne. Today her attitude is unchanged, and she is willing, if such action would solve the problem to withdraw forthwith. The “Daily Sketch 7 ’ sajs Mrs Simpson is ill, but the “Daily Mail” says she is tired -and remaining in bed. COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED IN COURT CIRCLES. Those close to th* King at Fort Belvedere were not aware of Mrs Simpson’s statement until read to them by a, journalist. The statement was,. completely unexpected in Court circles, and is not regarded as an ending to the crisis, but merely as an expression of her opinion. It is stressed that the phrase, “if such action would solve the problem, ” is taken as significant. Those who are in a position to know, declare that the announcement was made on Mrs Simpson’s own initiative. It is felt that only the King’s action can end the situation. Other steps, however important, only have a limited effect. MR BALDWIN’S STATEMENT. In his anxiously-awaited statement in the House of Commons on the crisis that has arisen concerning King Edward’s proposed marriage to Mrs Simpson, Mr Baldwin said:“It remains the earnest desire of the Government to afford the King the fullest opportunity of weighing a decision involving his own future happiness and the interest of his subjects. At the same time, we cannot remain unaware that considerable prblongation of suspense is a risk of the „ gravest nature to national and Imperial interests. None is more insistent in this aspect than the King himself.

“In view of other statements I must say that, with the exception of the question of morganatic marriage, no advice has been tendered to the King, with whom my conversations have been strictly personal and informal. IN KING’S MIND FOR SOME TIME.

“This matter was raised by the King in a conversation some weeks ago, when he first indicated his intention of marrying Mrs Simpson, whenever she was 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 will doubtless communicate it to the Governments of Britain and the Dominions, who will then decide what advice they think it their duty to tender. “I ca’nnot conclude without expressing—what the whole House feels—a deep and respectful sympathy for His Majesty at this time.” Mr Attlee, Leader of the Opposition: I hope you will bear in mind the request that the House should receive the fullest information as soon as possible? Mr Baldwin: The situation is grave. While the King is considering these matters it would be difficult to answer supplementary questions. Mr Churchill: Can Mr Baldwin give an assurance that no irrevocable step— (Loud shouts of “No” and “Order! Order!”) NO HYPOTHETICAL CONSIDERATIONS. Mr Baldwin: I do not know what the King will do. I cannot enter into hypothetical considerations. Mr G. Lambert (National-Liberal—South Molton, Devon): Are you aware that there is deep personal sympathy.with the King? (Prolonged cheers). Mr E. Thurtle (Labour —Shoreditch); Will you take the opinion of the House on a morganatic marriage? Mr F. J. Bellinger (Labour—Basetlow): Will you, in view of the serious dislocation of industry, lake an early opportunity for a discussion of both questions? The question was greeted with cries of “Order,” and remained unanswered. The House proceeded with the next business. MAJOR ATTLEE’S DENIAL, The denial of Major C, R. Attlee, Leader of the Opposition, of the statement by Mr Winston Churchill that Mr Baldwin had solicited an assurance that the Opposition would not form an alternative administration in the event of his Cabinet’s resignation, thereby confronting the King with an ultimatum, is now interpreted to mean that Major Attlee gave no such assurances. Major Attlee, when shown Mr Churchill's references, said: “There is no foundation for such a statement.”

Surprise is felt that Major Attlee should have allowed such a long interval to elapse before his denial, as it is recalled that the “Daily Mail,” on Thursday, stated that Mr Baldwin had informed the King that the Opposition would not form a Ministry, and “The Times” Parliamentary writer, on the same day, stated that, in the present case, there was no alternative Government which would carry out the King’s wishes.

CAN ONLY BE SOLVED EYEING. “The Times,” in a second leader, again deprecates irresponsible comments. It adds: “The problem raised by the King can be solved only by the King. Three false charges have been made against Mr Baldwin and his colleagues, namely: That they presented to the King some form of ultimatum. That they influenced their Dominion colleagues and the Opposition leaders to bring pressure upon the King. That they are now pressing the King to renounce his project or abdicate.

“These charges have been put forward under cover of a plea for time and patience. There can be no thought of hurrying the King’s choice; but he will be the first to see that a reasonably speedy answer is required. Until that decision is taken, let there be a truce to insinuations against the British Dominions and the Ministers.”

“The “News Chronicle” says: “It became known yesterday that, with Mr Baldwin’s concurrence, the King saw Mr Winston Churchill on Friday night. It may, therefore, be assumed that Mr Churchill’s plea for time represents the King’s mind.”