THE KING’S AUTHORITY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 31 January 1936, Page 9

THE KING’S AUTHORITY

NOT A FIGUREHEAD AN EFFECTIVE INFLUENCE The allegation, often made in foreign countries, that the British King is little more than a figurehead is refuted _ by Sir Philip Gibbs in a recent article. After quoting King George’s words: I am the father of a family of nations, Sir Philip draws a parallel between the King’s function and that of the wise father of a grown-up family, whose code of conduct is emulated and whose advice is honoured by his children. He continues: — . There are a thousand ways inside and oreside the British Constitution in which King George exercises influence and authority. As the head of the Ai uy and Navy he has a good deal tii say —and says it—about any appointments or personal affairs that may arise in those two services. It is true that lie cannot dismiss a Government which still holds a majority in the House of Commons—at least there would be trouble if he did—hut his advice is not neglected when it comes to forming a Government, and it is an open secret that it was due to the King that Ramsay MacDonald agreed to form a National Government to hold tlie country together in a time of crisis when England went off the gold standard in 1931 and when many unpopular measures had to be carried through in order to avert a financial breakdown.

The tone of English society, the slant of public opinion in many aspects, tho continuity of its traditions, the decency of its code in public affairs, are to some extent touched by the personality of the King himself. “I don’t like that sort of thing,” he may say to a Minister or official, and that sort of thing isn’t done. “I would like something done about that matter,” lie may remark, “and I want it done without delay.” He uses naval language now and then, and at those times things have to be done with remarkable rapidity, as I happen to know. The truth is that the King—apart from all constitutional rights or limitations — is still the head of a family and has that authority.