The King Is Remarkably Cheerful

Chronicle (Levin), 15 December 1948, Page 5

The King Is Remarkably Cheerful

Received Tuesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 14. Tlie King's g'eneral fitness and remarkable clieerfulness are stated to be contributing to the gratii'ying progress he is niaking with his illness. Two stories are lieing told about his cheert'ulness. Part of the treatment he is receiving is electrical massage. On one occasion he heard a sizzling sound find saw a blu-e spark. "Found uranium down there'?" he asked. "1 mnst l)e radioaetivc. " On anolher oceasion he was asked to indicate wliether the treatment produeed a certain sensation. The King could repoi't no reaction and he remarkcd: "No response, doctor. Push bnttonB." 0 Button B is pushed in .telephone boxes by callers to get tlieir money baek when they have i'ailed to get the number they want. It is reported that the postponement oi' the investiture whieli the King was to have held on Jamiarv 25, has led to the siirmise . that his Majesty might delegate the I'lmetion to another memher of the Royal family. It is helievod he is not at present conteniplating this. Sliould ihe state of the Kiiig's health necessitate sueh a step, ihe investiture would probably be carried out by the Queen or by Prineess Elikaheth now that she is of age as heiress presumptive. Sueh a delegation on this oecasion. would be of unusual interest sinee, in view" of the Xetv Year honours list, the dutv would involve ihe conforment of Knighthoods.