KING’S ABDICATION

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1935, Page 7

KING’S ABDICATION

THRONE OF SIAM VACANT

INFORMAL STATEMENT

“A COUNTRY GENTLEMAN”

HIS FUTURE UNCERTAIN

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, March 3.

King Prajadhipok of Siam has abdicated. He signed the document of abdication at Cranpligh on Saturday at 1.45 p.m. and it was handed to the President of the National Assembly at the Legation at London at 4.30 p.m. It becomes effective immediately.

The announcement was confirmed in the most informal manner by the exKing’s secretary, who, attired in flannels and a sports coat, entered the little sitting-room of the ex-King’s country home at Knowle Park and told correspondents waiting: “Well it is all over. The King is king no more. His feelings may be described as sad. It is a blow to abandon the throne after an unsuccessful fight for democracy. He desires to rest and will temporarily deny himself visitors.

“His future plans are uncertain, but he has said the last word regarding Siam. He will stay in Surrey, where he will lead the life of a country gentleman until June, after which he may go to Europe.”

The ex-King and Queen desire to be known as Prince and Princess SukhOdaya. During an interview the ex-King, wearing a sports suit and accompanied by the ex-Queen, deprecated the silly habit of referring to him as “brother of the moon and possessor of the 24 umbrellas.”

The abdicatory document, which is addressed to nobody in particular, is merely a general statement of the situation and reviews events since the coup d’etat in 1932 and the ex-King’s difficulties with the parties in power. The document does not indicate the successor to the throne.

The Siamese delegation which attempted to dissuade him from abdicating will shortly return to Siam. Persons in close touch with the situation in Bangkok believe that there may be an outbreak against the Government on the announcement of the abdication.