Discovered some interesting passages on the Abdication Crisis of 1936 in WLMK’s Diary.

Difficulty arises over a UK dispatch. King is sympathetic to the need for swift action but Canada cannot assent to succession without parliament. Skelton & Lapointe agree to study solutions. https://twitter.com/richardjforbes/status/1276995853484470274

The solution — to use a passage of the Statute of Westminster to “request and consent” to the UK’s change via an order-in-council proves contentious with King & cabinet. He dislikes the terminology but accepts its necessity.

King breaks the news to Skelton that abdication is imminent.

Skelton jokes that Edward VIII might have a future in Hollywood given his penchant from drama.

King decides to let parliament vote on succession in its first sitting (rather than a pro forma bill) to “disclose the supremacy of the Commons to the Sovereign... by asserting its right to determine the succession to the Throne.”

Woodsworth raises a lot of issues with how the gov’t has acted — he questions swearing an oath to the new King before parliament assents to his succession & he criticizes consent having been given without parliament being consulted first.

The debate concludes — King heaps praise upon himself characteristically — and the House of Commons sings “God Save the King.”

/fini (I’m imagining maybe two people will follow this thread to its conclusion — know that you’re in good company.

We’re totally the cool ones. )