MRS. SIMPSON WILL NOT RETURN TO LONDON FOR SOME TIME

Northern Advocate, 10 December 1936, Page 7

MRS. SIMPSON WILL NOT RETURN TO LONDON FOR SOME TIME

{.United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright .] (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, December 9. Early Announcement Essential. The “Times” Parliamentary correspondent, after announcing that the lateness of Mr Baldwin’s return from Fort Belvedere precluded his making a statement to the House of Commons, says the feeling is steadily growing that an early announcement of the King’s intentions is essential, not only in the interests of Parliament, but also in. those of trade and commerce. The House of Lords met at 10.45 last night. The “Manchester Guardian’s” political correspondent says the reason for this most unusual proceeding was to pass the Expiring Laws (Continuance) Bill. It is contended that the Bill had to be passed last night, but another explanation of the proceedings is that the measure was being got out of the way, ifi readiness for any needed emergency legislation if the King were to abdicate. Mrs Simpson’s London House to beClosed. A message from Cannes says' that Messrs Goddard and Barron and Dr Kirkwood are staying at the Hotel Miramar. Lord Brownlow said in a statement: i

“Mr Goddard has come at his own suggestion to discuss the closing of Mrs Simpson's London house, as she has no intention of returning to London for some considerable time.”

The Australian Press Association was given to understand that Mr Goddard had not previously flown, for which reason he requested Dr Kirkwood, his medical adviser, to accompany him. This is the sole reason for Dr Kirkwood’s journey.

Decision Rests with King. . The “Times” says ; in a leading article; “The decision is for the King alone. No Cabinet proposal is before him. He has proposed a certain course of action, and has been informed in constitutional form that it is impracticable. There is no reason to doubt that he has accepted that advice.

“The plan of a morganatic marriage is, therefore, abandoned, and

what the King has been considering is whether he shall take any other action. To take none is to acquiesce to the failure of what is known to be his heart’s desire; but no positive action has been suggested, except the one from ■which the whole Empire shrinks.

Can Only Wait,

‘‘All his Ministers can do is answer such questions as the King may have put, in order that he may have the fullest possible understanding of the nature of the consequences of any action he may choose to take. It is no doubt deeply distressing to the Cabinet that they can do no more than this to help him; but in fact, they can only wait while he debates in his own conscience thq issue of which they became aware : less than a fortnight ago, but which he himself must have foreseen for a very much longer period.” :