THE KING'S PRIVATE LIFE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23055, 4 December 1936, Page 11

THE KING'S PRIVATE LIFE

DESIRE TO MARRY AMERICAN A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS CABINET FACES DELICATE TASK FAR-REACHING EMPIRE ISSUES (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, December 2. (Received December 3, at 5.5 p.m.) The King received Mr Stanley Baldwin to-day. The Daily Telegraph's political correspondent says: "The Cabinet has been compelled to face a most delicate and most difficult situation in connection with the King's private life. It may be assumed that the subject of Mr Baldwin's interview with the King this evening was advice which the Cabinet felt it necessary to tender to his Majesty." The Manchester Guardian says: "It can no longer be concealed that a constitutional crisis confronts the Cabinet." The Daily Mail says that disturbing rumours arose following a Cabinet meeting lasting more than two hours. The Times, in a leader, says: "The wave of gossip and rumour from across the Atlantic has spread in ever-widening circles to Britain. If there has been no comment hitherto in the English press, that is due neither to a lack of public anxiety nor to any form of pressure upon the newspapers, but simply to a common self-restraint inspired by the hope that some authoritative act or statement would enable them to end it once and for all. This is plainly necessary now, for otherwise the cumulative effect of this campaign of scandal will be serious damage to the Monarchy." The Times adds: "Events in the world impose as never before upon the British Monarchy a duty to stand as a rock to the world outside amid the seething tides of Communism and dictatorship. So it stood a year ago; so let us hope it will stand, a year hence, when the new reign will have been hallowed by the Coronation. But the public needs some definite reassurance if the rock is to be unshaken."

CABINET INTERVENTION REGARDED AS AN INTRUSION AN UNPRECEDENTED PROBLEM EMPIRE-WIDE ANXIETY ".,,"' LONDON, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 3, at 11 p.m.) The Daily Mail, in a leader, says: "Nothing would be gained by minimising the magnitude of the constitutional crisis that has arisen over the King's marriage plans and matters affecting his private life, on- which the Cabinet has felt it riecessary to tender advice, which the King has regarded as an intrusion into his private affairs. "The matter was not perhaps handled with all the delicacy and tact called for, but the whole Empire is looking anxiously to the King and the Government to solve a problem unprecedented in our history, for a solution must be found. An act of abdication at such a time would fill the hearts of millions of the King's loyal subjects with the deepest sorrow. No such calamitous step need or should be taken. "Much depends on the King, for by the effect of the Statute of Westminster he is the lynchpin of the Empire and the sole link between the Mother Country and the dominions. When such is the position there is every confidence among his wide and varied peoples that he will answer the Imperial call in the same splendid manner as he has so often done in the past. Certainly in this supreme moment the whole nation will unite in prayer that his Majesty and his Ministers may reach a solution of the grave problem with which they are confronted and thus avert a catastrophe."

more deeply appreciated the everswelling volume of affection and loyalty of. its peoples. It cannot be supposed that he will hesitate to put those august permanent interests before his personal feelings, which, however deeply they concern his

ISSUE PLAINLY STATED KING'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE PRESTIGE OF THE MONARCHY THE DYNASTIC SUCCESSION LONDON, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 3, at 11.30 p.m.) The News Chronicle, in a leader, says: "The problem can be simply stated. One of the King's circle of personal friends is Mrs Ernest Simpson, a lady of American birth, who has been twice married. It is believed that it is the King's desire to marry her in due course. The issue raised is whether this lady is a suitable person to be Queen of England, and whether this is a matter to be decided by the King himself or by the Government as the mouthpiece of public opinion. "The answer to this question should not be difficult. It is for the King to say, like every other man, who shall be his life partner, but it is for Parliament to say who shall be Queen of England and to regulate the succession to the Throne.

" If the King has the right to make his own decision on the first point, it is indisputable that he must fall in with the advice of his Ministers on a constitutional issue such as that involved in the second."

The Daily Mail says: "The King may marry whom he pleases but it is Parliament's duty to decide who shall be Queen and who shall succeed to the Throne. Thus the King would obtain the consort of his choice but any issue of the marriage would be excluded from succession.

The Daily Mail's political correspondent says: " It is understood that Mr Baldwin, during the audience with his Majesty, stressed the gravity of the situation of the Crown as affecting national and Imperial interests at a critical moment in international affairs. It is reported that the Ministers had to pay particular attention to reports from some dominion Governments stating frankly their attitude to his Majesty's rumoured projects.

The Mail says it is understood that Mr Baldwin informed the King that unless he accepted the Cabinet's advice it would resign. He was also in a position to inform the King that should he call on the Socialist Opposition to form a Government it would not accept the mandate.

"Mr Baldwin, on behalf of a united Cabinet, is understood to have tendered an expression of deep regret that the Cabinet had reached the conclusion that unless an agreement could be reached there must arise a Ministerial situation which might precipitate a constitutional crisis. He declared that, in the Cabinet's opinion, the King's wisest course now was to announce publicly that he does not propose to marry."

According to the Mail the King refused to accept the Cabinet's guidance.

The News Chronicle, in a leader, says: " The personality of the Queen of England is obviously a matter of great importance, both to Britain and the Empire, for if the. monarchy is to persist as a symbol of the unity of the British people's loyalty to the Throne they must maintain a great element of personal respect for those sitting on the Throne. The public would wish to see the King marry, and if possible marry an Englishwoman. There are many who would not desire to see as Queen of England a woman who had previously been married. There are also some who would object to an American citizen occupying that high rank. "The Cabinet must take the responsibility for expressing to the

The Daily Telegraph, in a leader, says: " The King will not choose for himself alone, but also for the Monarchy and the Empire. For the Crown, it must not be forgotten, is now the sole visible link of Empire. Nobody knows better than he what the Empire stands for or has personal happiness, are in that respect strictly private, not national or Imperial."

King public opinion on these points, but if the decision is adverse and if the King is sufficiently in love to persist in his intention, the public would, we think, wish that he should marry the woman of his choice, but in his capacity of Duke of Cornwall. His wife's position would then be that of the King's consort and not Queen of England. Moreover, if his Majesty were to acquiesce in Parliament passing an Act barring from the Throne any issue of his marriage, thus leaving the existing succession to the Throne unchanged, that would overcome many scruples and make the suggestion of a constitutional crisis quite unnecessary.

A message from Capetown states that the Cape Times says: "The constitutional issue concerning the King is not confined to Britain, but is one in which the whole of the dominions are deeply concerned. Now that it has been raised and publicly discussed the wisest course is for the whole truth to be laid before the public without reserve and with that frankness which, in the greater affairs of British Sovereignty and Empire, has always proved the healthiest corrective to vague conjectures." MINISTERS STAYING AT CANBERRA CANBERRA, Dec. 4. (Received Dec. 4, at 1.45 a.m.) Federal Ministers have decided to remain at Canberra over the weekend in the event of a crisis developing. THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS DOMINION REPRESENTATIONS VITAL ISSUES PORTENDED LONDON, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 4, at 1.48 a.m.) The Press Association says: The situation has been made more pressing in consequence of recent urgent representations from the dominions.

"We believe the people of the Empire would welcome a solution which would promote the King's personal happiness and not jeopardise the dynastic succession, and leave the prestige and tradition of the monarchy unimpaired." HINT OF ABDICATION AN AMERICAN REPORT RAPID SEQUENCE OF EVENTS NEW YORK, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 4, at 0.20 a.m.) The New York Times, after the editor had questioned the despatch and the correspondent had reassured him of the absolute validity of the information, printed a London cablegram stating that the King may abdicate to-day, and that he will be succeeded by the Duke of York.

The despatch goes on to say that the impression exists in England that, if the King persists in his course, the Cabinet will not hesitate to force decrees of abdication.

It is strongly rumoured, the correspondent says, that Mrs Simpson will leave England to-day and there is a possibility that the King will accompany her.

Mr Baldwin is moving the suspension of the Standing Orders in the House of Commons this afternoon. This is usually a portent of vital matters being raised.

The King called Mr Lincoln Ellsworth, the Antarctic explorer, to the palace yesterday, and it is reported on good authority that the King sold his Canadian ranch to Mr Ellsworth for cash. If the King leaves suddenly he will not be penniless. Mrs Simpson is reported to be " aghast at what is happening." London newspapers, the despatch adds are already prepared, holding in readiness proofs of a long account of the King's reign to be used in the event of his abdication.

MRS SIMPSON'S INTENTIONS

LONDON, Dec. 3.

(Received Dec. 4. at 1.50 a.m.) Mrs Simpson declines to comment on the story that she is going abroad for several months. IMPORTANT CONSULTATIONS KING AT COUNTRY RESIDENCE LONDON, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 4, at 0.5 a.m.) A motor cycle despatch rider left the palace early this morning, taking important papers to the King at Fort Belvedere, his country residence, to which the King went by car last night after his interview with Mr Baldwin. The King rose at an early hour to read the newspapers. It is understood that Major Ulick Alexander, Lieutenant-colonel the Hon. Piers Legh and Sir Godfrey Thomas were summoned to Fort Belvedere.

OPINION IN THE DOMINIONS

Viscount Halifax, the Leader of the House of Lords, called on Mr Baldwin soon after breakfast. POWERS OF THE CABINET ARBITER OF THE MONARCHY ADVICE MUST BE ACCEPTED LONDON, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 4, at 1.32 a.m.) Professor Harold Laski (professor of political science in the University of London), in an article in the Daily Herald, says: " The King's constitutional position is that he must act on the advice of his Ministers unless he can secure other Ministers who are, first, able to tender him other advice and, secondly, able to command a majority in the House of Commons. How far does the Cabinet's right to offer advice extend? The answer is—as far as Cabinet assumes to be necessary for the purpose of maintaining confidence in the King. His acts are the Cabinet's acts. Whatever he does, the members of Cabinet are responsible before Parliament. If they cannot accept responsibility the old Ministers have to be recalled and the King will be compelled to accept their advice. It does not matter what the subject of the advice is, it is always in the discretion of Ministers to tender it. Nothing save the formation of a new Government able to secure a majority in the House of Commons can justify the King in refusing to do what his Ministers advise him to do. He may plead, urge, and argue, but the master of policy in the British system is a Cabinet which retains the confidence of the House of Commons." NEWS CAUSES SENSATION SYDNEY, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 3, at 11.45 p.m.) The news from London about the King was featured in the evening papers and caused a tremendous sensation, and it is the sole topic of conversation throughout Australia. It is reported that the Commonwealth Government has been kept fully informed of all the recent developments and possibilities by the High Commissioner (Mr S. M. Bruce). REACTIONS IN THE CITY SHARP FALL IN SHARE PRICES LONDON, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 3, at 5.5 p.m.) The Daily Mail says that the political tension to-day led to a sharp break in the prices of Government securities and in the industrial and speculative markets.

A BISHOP'S COMMENTS

LONDON, Dec. 2.

Though all the London morning papers published the Bishop of Bradford's speech, none commented editorially, and only the News Chronicle in the later editions reproduced provincial papers' editorial comments.

The Birmingham Post says: " The Bishop of Bradford's words are words of reproof such as nobody, whether cleric or layman, has thought proper to address to the King of England for many a long day. They are not necessarily to be condemned on that account as mere impertinence, but a large section of the English people, which neither reads American newspapers nor listens to such gossip as runs around the purlieus of the Court, will inevitably ask to-day what they mean and may be inclined further to inquire why the sentiment, to which unquestionably the bishop gave a perfectly correct expression, should not have been made known to his Majesty by some person even more fully authorised than himself to speak in the name of the Church of England." The Nottingham Journal says: " The constitutional relationship between the dominions and the King gives an added point to the very serious words of the Bishop of Bradford. Never since the days of the unpopularity of Queen Victoria has anything been spoken so seriously in public to a British Sovereign. This is the Imperial aspect of the problem, which now outweights all others." ? REBUKE NOT INTENDED LONDON, Dec. 2. (Received Dec. 3, at 11.30 p.m.) A strong denial that his references to the King were in the least intended as a rebuke was made by the Bishop of Bradford after reading newspaper comments. He said: " Only one phrase in the whole of what I said could be considered as criticism of the King. That was when I said ' some of us wish he would give more positive signs of his awareness.' What I referred to was the fact that to all outward appearance the King seems to live entirely indifferently to the public practice of religion. He may have a private religion of his own. That I know nothing about, but he does not show the world he has got one.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROCEDURE UPHELD LONDON, Dec. 3. (Received Dec. 4, at 1.10 a.m.) The Associated Press states that information suggests that Mr Baldwin made a "gentlemen's agreement " with Major Attlee (Leader of the Opposition) that tnc latter would decline a commission to form a Ministry if Mr Baldwin resigns. All the news agencies circulate reports from Canberra that both parties in the Federal Parliament ars in agreement on the constitutional issue of the King's acceptance of his Ministers' advice.

and I think that it is a pity. With regard to these rumours circulating about him, I may as well say my address was written six weeks before I first heard anything of them. I studiously took care to say nothing regarding the King's private life, because I know nothing about it." MRS SIMPSON'S DIVORCE A NINETEEN-MINUTE HEARING ELABORATE PRECAUTIONS Accompanied by one of King Edward's personal detectives, Mrs Simpson," pale and agitated, was driven away at high speed from the Assize Court in London on the afternoon of October 27, released from the ties that bound her to her husband. Her petition (the London correspondent- of the New York Times says) was based on the charge of her husband's adultery with a woman at the Hotel de Paris in Bray, a summer playground for London society on the Thames River, near Maidenhead. The woman's name was not revealed.

The trial occupied just 19 minutes. The public galleries were empty. Mrs Simpson, who is 42 years of age, appeared to have aged considerably since her summer Mediterranean cruise with the King. She had spent the past few weeks in strict seclusion at Beach House, Felixstowe, 12 miles from Ipswich, on the Suffolk coast. Thus she obtained the residence qualification for the transfer of her case from the crowded London High Court to the local Assizes. KING'S DETECTIVE GUARDS HOME A padlock was placed on the gates leading to the beach house and under the direction of a detective who had attended the King on his Mediterranean cruise, a police guard was posted night and day in the private road leading to the house. Nobody was admitted to vacant property overlooking the house without a police permit. The King's friend was able to reach the court this afternoon without suffering irritating attentions of curious persons. All speed limits appeared to have been waived on her drive to the court.

A small, round, blue felt hat with a double brim, which was set off by a red ornamental button in front, was tilted to the right. Her trim, upright figure was shown to bast advantage in a close-fitting doublebreasted, tailor-made coat and a skirt of navy blue. The dotted collar of her shirtwaist showed high around her throat. When the light from the skylight above the well of the court caught her hair it showed a deep auburn colour. EVIDENCE FOR PETITIONER Doubtless to save time in taking the Bible for the oath on the witness stand her right glove was already removed. In the hush while waiting for<,the judge her slow, American accent could be overheard at the back benches of the court, where rows of newspaper men sat shoulder to shoulder. Mr Simpson was not present. Evidence was heard on behalf of the petitioner. The witnesses included two floor waiters, formerly employed at the Hotel de Paris in Bray. Archibald Travers and Dante Busclia testified that on the mornings of July 22 and July 23 respectively they had served breakfast in bed to a man they identified from a photograph as Mr Simpson and a woman who was not Mrs Simpson. Mr Norman Birkett, K.C., then asked for a decree nisi. Mr Justice Hawke seemed to hesitate. Was there to be a hitch at this last moment?

" I assume what your Lordship has in mind," said Mr Birkett.

" What is it that I have in mind? " the Justice asked.

" That this is ordinary hotel evidence," replied Mr Birkett. " But the lady's name has been divulged in the petition to my Lord and notice was served on her." CITIZENSHIP RETAINED "Well, I suppose I must come to the conclusion that there was adultery in this case," said the judge. "Very well, decree nisi! " Mr Frampton, who had examined the hotel witnesses, asked, " Decree nisi with costs, my Lord? " " I suppose so," Mr Justice Hawke answered, and the trial was over.

Uniformed policemen who had backed their bulky forms around the witness stand to forstall any attempt at photographing Mrs Simpson, now closed all exits. Mrs Simpson, on the arm of a solicitor, hurriedly descended the stairs and Mr Justice Hawke turned his attention to the next case.

A moment later came the roar of her car as it rushed her out of the courtyard. Mrs Simpson will retain her husband's British citizenship.