MAY BE CANCELLED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 264, 6 November 1937, Page 9

MAY BE CANCELLED

American Tour Of Duke And Duchess DISPLEASED AT REACTION (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Received Nov. 5, 9.50 p.m. NEW YORK, Nov. 4. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor may cancel their visit because they arc displeased with the American reaction, especially such a description as a “slumming party,” said Mr Charles Bedaux, the Duke’s American friend, in a message from Washington. He said: “The odds are nine to one against the trip.” An announcement from White House says that the Duke and Duchess will be the guests of Mr Roosevelt at tea on November 12. Mrs Roosevelt will be absent on a lecture tour which, it is emphasised, has no significance. However, it is learned that the State Department will not accord Royal status to the Duchess. The denunciation from Baltimore has released a flood of criticism, which previously had been held back. The New York Post has a front page eight-column streamer: “ProNazis Guide the Duke’s Tour,” and reprints a two-column article from a London periodical, namely The Week alleging that the Duke of Windsor is under the influence of the Fascist group. The Post also prints a fiveline editorial slating that the Duke of Windsor reiterates his desire to live a useful life, and adding: “He is leading that kind of life. He has been very useful to Herr Hiller during the past three weeks.” The World Telegram, in a leader, expresses the fear that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s American experience will be an unhappy one, and says: “The fact is that there is not a satisfying job at which an unemployed king can work without the suspicion of ulterior motives.”

The New York Daily News says that the British Government is exposing the Duke of Windsor to ridicule by keeping him from the Empire. It would avoid considerable embarrassment if it told him and the Duchess to Jive in England and keep quiet. Mrs Mary Raffray, a girlhood friend of the Duchess, is at present at Reno awaiting a divorce for the purpose of marrying Mr Simpson, the former husband of the Duchess. The wedding may coincide with the arrival in America o fthe Duke and Duchess. NO CANCELLATION ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED Received Nov. 5, 10.30 p.m. PARIS, Nov. 5. According to those in close contact with the Duke of Windsor there is no question of a cancellation of the visit to the United States. All arrangements are completed for leaving on November 6.