DUKE OF WINDSOR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 15 November 1937, Page 5

DUKE OF WINDSOR

ONLY PART POSSIBLE TO PLAY THAT OF A PRIVATE GENTLEMAN [United Press Association -By Electric Telegraph—Copy rigbtl LONDON, 12th November. In an article in the “Daily Herald,” Pcofesso'r Harold Laski, of the chair of Political Science in the University of London, says: “When the Duke of Windsor decided to abdicate he ought to have realised that the only part it is possible for him to play is that of a private gentleman. The metier of a former king is impossible in this world. It means the holding of opinions and the expression of opinions, and sooner or later means fierce limelight and public debate about every utterance and action of himself and his entourage. From that to the formation of a party about him is only one step. Frankly, it is a most dangerous step. A former king is bound to involve others beyond himself. “A member of our Royal Family is limited to a purely ceremonial part in life which raises him beyond the level where controversy can rage. His business is to unite opinions, not divide them. “No doubt the Duke of Windsor is full of good-will for the social purposes in which he is genuinely interested. No doubt he thought himself capable of putting forward views which he believed important to the public welfare. It is obvious he cannot do so without involving himself in passionate controversies. Not only will he be involved, but also the whole position of the Royal Family. “In a time of bitter controversy between the Fascist and democratic Powers, his decision to visit Germany was a gesture incompatible with impartiality. “I cannot help saying that the man is known by his friends, and I cannot help feeling that such a choice of friends for the purposes of a disinterested inquiry reveals either lamentable ignorance or an abandonment of neutrality. If it is the first, the Duke needs to be told that such ignorance is dangerous in a critical world. If it is the second, it is a very grave departure.” BRITISH LEGION’S GESTURE PARIS, 13th November. S The British Legion has invited the | Duke of Windsor to its annual dinner I on 3rd December. MAGAZINE’S INVITATION NEW YORK, 13th November. “Collier’s Magazine,” in a full-page editorial, invites the Duke and Duchess 1 of Windsor to reside permanently in the United States. “After a few weeks he would attract little more attention than an eminent millionaire or popular film star,” it says. “He might find the happiness he sought when he surrendered his Royal prerogatives. Once he became a permanent resident he would find abundant outlets for his energies and initiative. We are in the midst of an era of social reform and the opportunities for service open to men and women of intelligence are great.” PUBLICATION OF PRIVATE CONVERSATION ARMISTICE DAY INCIDENT IN PARIS (Received 15th November, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, 15th November. The Bishop of Fulham with jurisdiction over St. George’s in Paris, expresses himself satisfied that Canon Dart intended no public discourtesy to the Duke of Windsor and adds that the trouble arose through the publication nf a private conversation and might be allowed to drop.