December 8, 1936
Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin dined with King Edward VIII tonight at Fort Belvedere and remained until 10 p.m., reports the New York Times. He had arrived at 5 p.m., with Walter Monckton, Attorney General of the Duchy of Cornwall. Two of the King's brothers, the Duke of York and the Duke of Kent, were also at the dinner.
No one knows if this dinner was a "farewell between Edward and his chief Minister or a feast of reconciliation." But the fact that this was a long meeting between the two men and the "added amenities of food and wine" was interpreted by Whitehall and Members of Parliament "as a sign there is to be no abdication."
This feeling was "strengthened" by a report that Mrs. Wallis Simpson's attorney had arrived in Cannes, France, to arrange for the "disposal" of Mrs. Simpson's home in Cumberland Terrace, as "she has no intention of returning to London for a considerable time."
One new rumor, however, has clouded the optimism that the King will not abdicate. The King allegedly telephoned a friend in London, saying that he would be happy to meet him soon on the Riviera.
It is believed that Baldwin had nothing of "sufficient importance" to have a late-night conference with his colleagues.
There is "little expectation" that there will be any major announcement in Parliament tomorrow. One can only speculate on what was discussed during the five-hour meeting between the king and Mr. Baldwin.
The Duke of Kent is expected to stay the night with his brother at the Fort.
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