THREAT TO KING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19070, 18 July 1936, Page 5

THREAT TO KING

PAMPHLET AUTHOR LONDON ACCUSATIONS MAN WITH GRIEVANCE WARNING* DISCLOSED SEARCH BY POLICE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. July 18, noon.) LONDON, July 17. It is now disclosed that George Andrew McMahon, who was arrested following the sensational incident near Hyde Park corner yesterday, when he is alleged to have pointed a loaded revolver at the King, is an Irishman, whose real name is Jerome Bannigan. Ho was born in Cookstoii, County Tyrone. His parents are now living in the Govan district of Glasgow, and both are nearly 80 years ol age. The father said: "We have not seen Jerome for 10 years." Ahoth,er son is a Roman Catholic priest in Dublin', Tlie News-Chronicle understands that McMahon had a grievance against the police, and had written many letters of complaint to Scotland Yard. He has been living with his wife in a oneroomed flat in the basement at Westbourne Terrace for the past three years. Neighbours describe McMahon as a man with a pleasant manner, and devoted to his wife. The Daily Mail says that McMahon edited various pamphlets and periodicals. A resident in Weslbourne Terrace said: "Many of ns knew McMahon when ho went about, in a frock coat, and ho gave the impression that he was a literary man of some, importance. He kept A herbalist's shop in Nottingham for a time. I understand he was a student, of Dublin University, and got, his B.A. degree there. lie was a champion of lost causes." USUAL ROUTINE The King to-day carried out his usual bnsines'3, receiving the Duke of Norfolk about, the coronation arrantjeinoJils, and also the Duke of York. It is revealed that the police attempted to get into touch with McMahon on Wednesday,, an officer calling at his homei at 9 a.m.", but McMahon had already left. The. reason for the police visit is not disclosed, but is is believed to have been in connection with a communication from McMahon to the Home Office. Special officers searched for McMahon among the crowd at the Wellington Arch immediately before the incident. They had received letters about McMahon and had been told by Mrs. Van Der Elst that ho had a revolver. Mrs. Van Der Elst said : "1 first came into contact with McMahon when 1 was fighting a hy-election. I met him only casually, but once during the election he became a little obstreperous and was ejected from the committee room." British and Continental newspapers unite, in expressions of profound relief fit the King's safety. The Times says: ''For generations the practice of Sovereigns of England lias beeu to move among the people unsur rounded by apparatus for protection, but trusting to love and loyalty of their subjects. * The King yesterday was riding at the head of armed forces, uneucircled by their bayonets. The trust has been abundantly justified, and incidents such as that of yesterday have not been allowed to diminish it." Audiences at several London theatres joined in singing the National Anthem before tho performances. DOUBTS Ol? SANITY A Paris message says that Le Petit Journal describes the McMahon incident as a stupid gesture by an unbalanced man, perhaps impelled by a morbid desire for publicity. Le Petit Parisien declares it was not an attack but the gesture of a madman. - The entire French press considers that tho reactions show how deeply attached Britain is to her Royal Family. A report from Rome states (hat the Oiornale d'ltalia declares that the act was wicked and insane. The Pope has sent a message expressing satisfaction at the. King's safety. The New York Times, in a leading article, says the people of the United States rejoice with the people of Britain around the world that the King not only escaped a threat of assassination but also that he bore himself as becomes a King, true to the ancient definition, "A King is he who has no fear." Of courage King Edward gave frequent evidence as a Prince. Of concern for the happiness of the people he gives daily proof as King, continues the New York Times. "Even the most democratic citizens will join those wdio \pride themselves as British subjects in saying, 'God Save the King.' " The New York Herald-Tribune adds its tribute in a similar strain.