Evening star., 1936-12-08

brothers, the heir-presumptive Duke
of York and the Duke of Kent, young
est of the four Windsors, and Sir Ed
ward Peacock, receiver general Of the
Duchy of Cornwall, possibly in de-
cisive conference.
Earlier, a chartered airliner, which
airdrome officials said carried two
home Office officials and a physician,
took off from Croydon for Cannes,
Mrs Simpsons French haven. Reach
ing Marignane, near Marseilles, to-
night the pilot said he would remain
until morning.
In Commons, speaking for Baldwin,
Home Secretary Sir John Simon de-
clined to add to the prime minister's
statement of yesterday. in which Bald
win openly granted the King time to
decide between Mrs. Simpson and his
| crown.
Some informed persons said they
believed the plane flight undoubtedly
was connected with the critical affaire
Simpson, which the lady in question
says she is willing, if necessary, to end.
Despite the airdrome Identification,
it was reported late today that one of
the planes passengers was member
of the firm of Theodore Goddard &
Co., Mrs. Simpsons solicitors. The
others were said to be "Dr. Kirkwood
and a Mr.. Baron"
However, no explanation was imme-
djoto1y fort ncnr1ir10 tho 0f
the aerial mission or the intentions of
its passengers.
Labor in Secret Session.
In London, Clement R. Attlee,
leader of his majesty's opposition in
Commons. presided at a private meet
ing of labor parliamentarians for q
full discussion of the constitutional
position of King and government.
Attlee is supporting the attitude of
Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin. but
has expressed no public opinion and
has not been asked for his views.
Striking a new note in the empire
comment, the Communist Daily
Worker said:
"The question of the Kings mar
riage is not worth a ha'penny of con-
Germ to the common people of this
country. 1t is a private matter of
concern only to the individuals af-
fected. Labor should voice the
disgust and contempt of the masses
of the people against these byzantine
intrigues of corrupt and dying class. "
Criticism of Baldwin Seen.
Today's Laborite meeting made 1t
clear there would be some criticism
of Baldwin, in due time, despite
whatever general policy is formulated.
However, there was considerable sup
port for the view that the King
should take the advice of his minis
ters when it is offered.
Attlee was due to ask Baldwin if
he had a further statement in Com
mons, but it was assumed the prime
minister's reply would be negative.
Monckton, who Is attorney general
of the Duchy of Cornwall, left Belve-
dere by royal motor with Sir Edward
before noon.
The Kings repeated consultations
with high officials of the duchy led to
reports that some sort of financial
arrangements are under consideration.
The King receives about f119,000
(S595 ,000 annually from the Duchy
of Cornwall and about $780, 900 ($450,-
000) from the Duchy of Lancaster
The latter has been an appanage Of
the throne since the fourteenth CEN
tury. The title lands of Cornwall, by
royal charter, pass to the eldest son
of the King or, lacking son, revert
to the sovereign.
Since Edwards abdication would
create an unprecedented situation as
regards these revenues, it has been as
sumed by most observers that Parlia-
ment would be obliged to make some
provision by special legislation.
Sponsorship Is Denied.
In the highest quarters today it was
denied categorically that the statement
of Mrs. Simpsons willingness to give
up the King had been sponsored in
London and dictated from here last
night.
Authoritative sources said her volun-
tary announcement surprised the
Kings own circle of advisers. They
insisted it was made on her own in
itiative and that it constituted q for
NAL announcement of a verbal declara-
ton along the same lines which she
made to the King before she left Eng
land.
Both the Star and the Evening News
today complimented Mrs. Simpson for
q contribution to solution of the en-
pire's crisis.
| Decision Up to King.
| Mrs. Simpsons offer to sacrifice
their romance to save the throne
placed the solution of the British En-
pire crisis solely on the young mon
arch's weary shoulders.
Only the King, an authoritative
source said, can end the critical situa-
ton precipitated when the bachelor
monarch told Prime Minister Baldwin
he was determined to wed the dark
| eyed American commoner.
| Summing up the dramatic develop