Evening star., 1936-12-03
Must Avoid Abdication, Says
Laborite, Pointing to Mon.
arch's Popularity.
PRIME MINISTER DECLINES
STATEMENT BEFORE HOUSE
Edward Takes Refuge at Country Estate
With American Woman and Duke
and Duchess of York.
Nv The Associated Press.

anu DuCneSS OF L Ofk.
LONDON, December 3-Kng Edward of England won
In first show of strength today in his crtca fight with
Brtans government to keep his throne and his American
friend, Wallis Warfeld Simpson
Defiant yet with his empires fate close at heart, Eng
lands sovereign insisted subborny his right private
life.
Gray and shaken Baldwin, his first minister stood be-
fore the House of in emotional anti-cnax to
sst he had nothing to say to the British people
Must Avoid Abdication.
Then dramatically the Laborite colonel, Right Hon.
Josiah Clement Wedgwood told the British Press Assoca
tion apparent confirmation of the authoritative impress
sion that the King winning at least the first phase of
his empire-stunning battle
"The King is beloved The thing we have got to avoid
more than anything else abdication Any change will
tear this country in two. general election comes the
outcome will be on the side of the King"
His words echoed liberal Afternoon Star which
he King be denied the common happiness
of mankind?"
side King yield Baldwin throne
friendship But some sources said may thrust aside
first attack with pledge he would make
not satisfactory to the government the church and himself
Question for Parliament.
COL wedgwood commenting his statement that general
election would result in favor of the King said:
he bulk of the people hate seeing man buied when ne
thinks ne is right and they respect man VINO WI" n0 up " ~
rights
Parliament a whole in the Of Richard H."
Wedgwood statement arose from the motion ne formally
entered for debate possible
opinion of this House the oath of allegiance which
they already King Edward VIII unaffected by any
teefrom of dgnay whatsoever nor Will they
substitute any other for the King of England"
parliamentary which puzzled even the
that the House passed the motion
1t would effect extend the King vote of confidence
considered unlikely however that the question will be
debated.
wedpood who on the authority of Parliament recently
history Parliament said the coro-
only and had nothing whatever to 90
traditions.
"No Statement to Make"
Baldwin unprecedented House Of Commons setting stood
white and stubborn to have no statement to make on
Clement R. Attee the opposition reputedy
sided with Baldwin against the King the prime minister's demand
enqush American asked the tense members
Parliament the amazed citizens Of the empire waited
ct would like to ask the prime minister private motion
questionwheher constitutional difficulties have arisen and
whether he has any statement to make?"
Baldwin replied:
have today While there does not at
present exist constitutional difficulty the situation of such
about 1t at this stage"
Stunning Anti Climax.
It was stunning ancmax to day which these breath
taking developments:
l. The King country with
Duke Duchess York Mrs Simpson and his closest counseos
y the highest
friendship for the American and his thronea situation
which might ultimately lead to his abdicaton.
Baldwin reputedy threatening with the support Of his
position cabinet resignation unless the King
idea Of marrying Mrs Simpson.
excited asonished people Of the British Isles and th
donions engued sudden flood vivid publicity about their
sovereign divorced friend cropping decision
q stand with King or cabinet
Anglican Church. openly opposing alliance ~hatso
between the King and Mrs Simpson
All long like lightning that the King had abd
Gated
said the rumors not true
Announcement Amazes People
As the prime minister his announcement that cons
tuonal dulty exists amazed people stirred to their emo
depths the story Of their monarch pr
vate life.
made in the face OF broadsde Of
the British led by the famous
: lsee KnyA Page Aso