WINDSOR BIOGRAPHY

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVI, Issue 44, 31 December 1937, Page 4

WINDSOR BIOGRAPHY

TO PROCEED WHY IT WAS SUGGESTED. LONDON, December 11. The Duke of Windsor is the centre of another controversy, this time over the proposed biography, permission to publish which he has just withdrawn, through his solicitors. Mr Compton Mackenzie, who is writing the book, declared this week: “I expect to proceed.” Though there may be some who wish to sabotage this work, the majority of his Majesty’s loyal subjects will welcome a straightforward account of one of the most momentous episodes in British history.” “We intend to carry on,” declared Commander Rich, director of Rich and Cowan, who have undertaken to publish the book. Referring to the statements issued regarding the bio-

graphy of the Duke, Commander Rich said: — “His Royal Highness had intimated to Mr Compton Mackenzie that he would welcome an objective account of the Abdication and the subsequent months by an author so distinguished. His Royal Highness further expressed his willingness to clear up certain points in the story should he deem it necessary. “The synopsis of the proposed bock did not meet with his approval in its present state. This does not, however, prohibit Mr Mackenzie from writing a biography which, if it were a true and dignified exposition of a great figure in the history of the nation, would be welcomed by everybody. ’ ’ When the Duke was married, Mr Mackenzie wired his felicitations. The Duke graciously replied. After the wedding certain innuendoes reflecting on the Duke’s conduct developed into a hurricane of slanderous abuse. To the suggestion that, as King Edward VIII., he hurried his father’s funeral, the Duke replied : “\\ hat a rotten story!” and explained that it was the Queen Mother who had wished to expedite the funeral. This incident led Mr Compton Mackenzie to write to the Duke proffering his services to combat calumny, if necessary, by writing a full and frank biography. The Duke accepted the offer in a letter of extreme appreciation. Mr Mackenzie then requested that he should be “armed with the truth,” and, in further correspondence, the Duke agreed to clear up certain points.

The fact that the Duke has now withdrawn his approval has aroused fresh criticism of those who advise his Royal Highness. They endorsed the unpopular proposal that he should visit Germany. They endorsed the unpopular proposal that he should visit America as protege of Bedaux. Now they have advised him against what many of his admirers would desire—a clear statement of his own views of the events of last December.