MR. BALDWIN’S STATEMENT

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 307, 11 December 1936, Page 5

MR. BALDWIN’S STATEMENT

Saying ‘Goodbye’ to his King and Friend.

(Received 11 a.m.) ’ LONDON, December 10. -. * ■ Mr. Baldwin, in the House of Commons, said:— “During the consideration of the King’s message, I have little to say in comment of criticism, praise, or blame. His Majesty, when Prince of Wales, honoured me with l a friendship and affection which we both felt when he said ‘Good-bye’ would last a lifetime. (Cheers.) “The King and I first discussed the matter on October 20, in absolute privacy. The King has never shown any sign of offence or of being hurt by any thing said.” Mr. Baldwin added that in October there was coming into his office a volume of correspondence from British subjects in America and other places, expressing perturbation and uneasiness at what was appearing in the American Press. He was also aware at that time that a divorce case was coming on, the results of which might cause a difficult situation to arise. He told His Majesty that he wanted to talk it over with him as a friend, and see if he could help. The King said to him not once but many times: “ You and I must settle this matter together. I will not have anyone interfering.” Mr. Baldwin pointed out the dangers of divorce proceedings, and that the period of suspense might be ruinous, as everybody might be talking and publicity in the Press was inevitable. This might lead to the danger which both of them had seen, and was one of the reasons why the King wanted to take action quickly. On November 16 he saw the King and told him he did not think it possible that the marriage would receive the approbation of the country, and he pointed out that the King’s wife was in a different position from the wife of any other citizen. It was part of the price the King had to pay. In the choice of a Queen, the voice of the people must be heard. The King said: “I’m going to marry Mrs. Simpson, and I am prepared to go.” Mr. Baldwin replied: “Sir, it is most grievous news. It is impossible to make any comment on the subject to-day. z Later, the King expressed the desire that Parliament should pass an Act enabling the lady to be the King’s wife without the position of Queen. Mr. Baldwin said his first reaction to the proposal was that Parliament would never pass such an Act, but he agreed to formally examine the proposal, at the same time telling the King it would mean putting the matter before Cabinet and the Prime Ministers of the Dominions.

The King told the Queen that night, the Dukes of York and Gloucester the next day, and the Duke of Kent shortly afterwards. Inquiries showed that neither in the Dominions nor in Britain would there be a prospect of such legislation being accepted, and the King said he was not surprised at the answer, and accepted it without any answer. He never referred to it again. He behaved as a great gentleman. Mr. Baldwin appealed to the House to fulfil the King’s wishes speedily, and to let no word be spoken that the utterer might regret in days to come. Let them not forget that revered and beloved figure of Queen Mary, and what all this time had meant to her. Mr. Baldwin’s closing phrases were the most impressive in his speech, and were said almost in a whisper. Sympathetic and restrained cheering occurred as he sank down in his seat. Major Attlee rose amid cordial, prolonged cheers from Ministerial benches, and said: “In view of the grave and important message received from His Majesty, I would ask whether it is not desirable to suspend the sitting until 6 p.m.?” The sitting was then suspended. ‘