KING OF SIAM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 256, 29 October 1934, Page 7

KING OF SIAM

DECISION TO ABDICATE DIFFERENCE OVER DEATH PENALTY REFUSED TO SIGN NEW LAW (By Telegraph—Frees Association—Copyright) Received Oet. 29 1-15 a.m. J.ONDON, Oct. 28. The King of Siam, at present visit ing London, announces that he has intimated a desire to abdicate, but has not yet signed the documents. A communique explains that the King alone, from ancient times, held the power of life and death and the Siamese criminal code provides that the King must approve the sentence of death, but the Assembly recently passed a law amending that provision, which His Majesty refused to sanction, holding that the people ought to decide such an important change by plebiscite or a general election, especially as it was only passed after a heated debate- Tho Government contended that the change would only bring Siam into the line of monarchies where sovereigns do not sign the death warrant, but only have the right to pardon. The King asked That the law regulating the procedure of petitions of mercy should be passed to prevent an execution being carried out before he made a decision thereon, but the Assemble rejected it, and accordingly the King feels that he is no longer able to act in defence of the people s rights and liberties. He adds that the Assembly does not fully represent the people, as the Premier. Phyabahol, is nominated by only half , the members. The King of Siam lias been called the world’s smallest ruler. It is saiu that his present visit to Europe was partly due to a desire to see Dr. Dollfuss, whom he was told was smaller.