SUDDEN DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23839, 14 December 1940, Page 12

SUDDEN DEATH

MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN SHOCK TO BRITAIN FINE WORK IN WASHINGTON By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright WASHINGTON, Dec. T2 The death occurred at Washington of the Marquess of Lothian, British Ambassador to the United States. Pie passed away at 3 a.m. after an illness of three days. The news of his dentil, which was immediately communicated to the King and members of the Government, came as a great shock to the British public, says a British ofiicial wireless message. Lord Lothian was reported to be indisposed yesterday, and his stirring and impressive speech at Baltimore last night was read by the Counsellor of the Embassy, Mr. Neville Butler. Doctor Not Present Lord Lothian, who was a Christian scientist, had no medical attention, says a cable message. He was treated by a practitioner from Boston. The announcement of his death was held up for live hours by the coroner. The coroner certified that Lord Lothian's death was due to natural causes, which were uremia and heart and kidney condition. Ho added there would be no autopsy. It was explainer] that the coroner was called in because a physician did not attend Lord Lothian at the moment of death. A doctor was called in after his death. The Secretary of State. Mr. Cordell Hull, stated that the United States Department was considering offering a cruiser to carry Lord Lothian's body to Britain.

Invaluable Service Lord Lothian's important mission to Washington, the conduct of which has been marked by distinction, is recognised on both sides of the Atlantic as having marked the peak of a career devoted unswervingly, and unstintingly to public service in various fields, says a British ofiicial wireless despatch. He worthily uphold the tradition of Britain's greatest ambassadors and performed unique service, securing complete mutual understanding between Britain and the United States. Knowing both countries as he did, he could speak to each of the other with the soreness of touch that comes only from long experience and close personal contact.

His knowledge of the American State was quite invaluable, and he will long be remembered as one who most faithfully represented the British Empire in the country where he served. PERSONAL MESSAGE PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT LONDON", Dee. 13 President Roosevelt has sent a personal message to the King. Tho President said he was shocked beyond measure at the passing of his old friend. Through nearly a quarter of a century they had come to love and trust each other, DUKE OF WINDSOR SUDDEN Alii JOURNEY VACANT AMBASSADORSHIP AMERICAN SPECULATION (Received December 13, 10.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 13 It. is officially announced that the Duke of Windsor will leave Miami, Florida, at 5.30 a.m. in an American naval aeroplane on important official business. His aide. Captain Drury, did not reveal the Duke's destination, but it is reliably stated that he will meet President Roosevelt, who is on board the destroyer .Mayrant, inspecting defence bases.

An earlier report, from Miami stated that it was learned that the Duke of Windsor would be given an opportunity of accepting or declining the appointment of British Ambassador to the United States • before the post was offered to anyone else. The Duke, it was stated, might have a conference with President Roosevelt on Friday on general matters, in which the Ambassadorship was bound to be a topic Official sources were reticent. The Duke of Windsor stated that he knew nothing about it.