The Washington times., 1936-01-21

SOCIAL EVENTS
CANCELLED
BY DEATH
Mrs. Roosevelt Calls
Off Theater Visit
For Play Opening
International News Service

international news SeFNlCe
Official w S h ng t o today
Joined the British Empire in
mourning the loss of its beloved
King George V.
Immediately after hearing Of
the Kings peaceful death, Presi-
dent Roosevelt cabled the deep
sorrow" of himself and the Amer
lean people to the late sovereign's
Oldest son, now King Edward
VIII. The President also sent
message of sympathy to Queen
Mary.
AS soon as word of the Kings
death reached the Capital, official
society started wholesale cancel
lations of social events. Mrs.
Roosevelt. at the time, was pre-
pairing to go to the National
Theater for the opening of play.
She cancelled the engagement.
Events Cancelled
Later the White House an
nounced cancellation of the an
nual reception for members Of
Congress originally scheduled for
Thursday night.
Led by the British embassy
and Dominion legation, diplomats
of all nations were quick to cancel
all official and unofficial engage
ments. Members of the Soviet
embassy cancelled plans to attend
last nights local Bal Boheme.
Early today Secretary of State
Cordell Hull led the procession
of diplomats to the British en-
bassy and Empire legations for
formal expressions of sympathy.
In addition to the embassy the
Secretary will visit the Canadian
legation, the legation of the Irish
Free State and the legation Of
the jnion of South Africa. .
Later the diplomats here of
other nations will also call to ex-
press their sympathy to Sir Ron
aid Lindsay, the British ambassa-
dor, and the ministers OF the
legations.
Period of Mourning
The British embassy and the
dominion legations will enter on
a prolonged period of deep mourn
ing. It will probably be year be-
fore the halls of these diplomatic
residences will ring with the joy
and laughter of an official func-
ton.
Following tradition, President
Roosevelt is expected to name a
special ambassador" to represent
him at King Georges funeral. The
late President Theodore Roosevelt
was the last presidential ambassa-
dor to funeral of English royalty.
He was in Europe when King Ed
ward VII died, and President Will
liam Howard Taft designated him
as his representative to the
funeral.
President Roosevelt's message
addressed to His Majesty the
King" read:
"Mrs. Roosevelt and 1 extend
to your majesty and the mem
bers of your family our heart
felt sympathy and join you in
mourning the loss of one whose
high qualities of kindness and
wisdom have been so powerful
an influence for universal peace
and justice"
Similar messages were sent to
the governor generals Of the Brit
ish dominion countries.
Hull Sends Messages
Secretary of State Hull also
sent messages to Prime Minister
Stanley Baldwin, Eamonn de
Valera. president of the executive
council of the Irish Free State,
aid premiers of the dominions. 1t
read:
~ wish to express to you my
sincere sympathy and that Of
the government Of the United
States in the passing Of His
Majesty. The British people
have lost a valiant leader and
an untiring worker for their
welfare and happiness"
senators, congressman, Cabinet
officials and other Government
leaders Joined in public express
sions of regret over the Kings
passing. .., 49,
Men who had worked with the
late President Woodrow Wilson
during and after the war recalled
anecdotes of the King and retold
stories of the high esteem which
wilson bore the late King.
The feeling was prevalent ev.
ervwhere that England had lost
a beloved King and the world a
I:.4 1,,orlza,. foY. pnnne