CRISIS IN SIAM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19942, 29 October 1934, Page 14

CRISIS IN SIAM

KING THREATENS TO ABDICATE United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 28, 7.30 p.m.) SINGAPORE, October 27. It is understood the King of Siam has decided to abdicate following differences between the King and Parliament, regarding changes in the law of capital punishment and the question of taxation on the personal estates of the King, who at present is in Paris. The heir to the throne is Prince of Sigora, who is at present in Switzerland. It is stated that efforts are being made to persuade the King to change his mind.

KING’S INTENTIONS STATED RIGHTS OF PARLIAMENT CHALLENGED United Press Association —By Electrir Telegraph —Copyright (Received October 29. 12.15 a.m.) LONDON. October 28. The King of Siam, who is at present visiting London, announces that he has intimated his desire to abdicate, but has not yet signed the documents. A communique explains that the King alone, from ancient times, has held the power of life and death. The Siamese criminal code provides that the King must approve of a sentence of death, but the Assembly recently passed a law amending the provision, which His Majesty refused to sanction, holding that the people ought to decide such an important charge by plebiscite or a general election, especially as it was only passed after a heated debate. The Government contended that the change would only bring Siam into line with the monarchies, where the sovereigns do not sign the death warrant, but only have the right of pardon. The King asked that a law regulating the procedure of petitions of mercy should be passed to prevent an execution being carried out before he had made a decision thereon, but the Assembly rejected this proposal. Accordingly the King feels that he is no longer able to act in defence of the people’s rights and liberties. The communique adds that the Assembly does not fully represent the people as the Premier. M. Phyabahol, was nominated by only half of the members. The King of Siam has been called the world’s smallest ruler. It is said that his present visit to Europe was partly due to a desire to see the late Dr. Dollfuss, former Australian Chancellor, whom he was told was smaller.

SUPPORT FOR THE KING ARMY AND PEOPLE SOLIDLY MONARCHIST United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 29, 12.5 a.m.) SINGAPORE, October 28. The latest reports from Siam indicate that the people and army are solidly monarchist, but are largely inarticulate. Many royalists are still in prison. Meanwhile the Government is getting more and more into the hands of terrorists and opportunists.