KING MICHAEL ABDICATES

Chronicle (Levin), 31 December 1947, Page 5

KING MICHAEL ABDICATES

(N-.Z.P.A.-

—Reuter

Republic Been Rroclaimed In Ruiiianta

Cotiyright) .

Keceived Wednesd^y, 9.30 a.m. -LONDON, Dec. 30. . fong MicMaSl bf Kiimania has^abdicated. Btieharest radio broadeast a proclamatiOn, whicli all Cabinet Ministers signed., deciaring Rumania a popuiar democrdtic Republic. ■ King Michael, iii a j^rO-. ciamation to the people which preceded the Governtheht's proclamation of a Republic, said he had abdicated in the hiterests of the people. The present changes in Rumdnia had rhade an alteratioii in the constitution necessary. He woiild not -stand in the way of the pedple, who must be ffee to choose their own forhi of Government. He added-: "The Monarchial institution is a serious impediment in the way of Rumania's developmeiit. 1 hereby abdicate in my name and in the name of my 'deseendants." King Michael abdicated at 3 p.m. loca! time. It is repofted that he left the capital an hour later for an undisclosed destination. The British United Press' Bucharest correspondent says no official annduiicement has been made of King Michael's plans, but.it is believed that he will marry Princess Anne de Bourban. Reuter's diplomatic correspondent says that although King Michael's intention to ' marry Princess Anne against the wishes of the Government may have been the principal cause of his abdication, his decision is bound tp have sefious internal implications in Rumania. ^