2110-8-1-21

Personal

26th October 1936

10 Downing Street, Whitehall.

My dear John,

I had King here for a night and as usual a delightful evening and more than friendly. I have just finished nearly three months rest. I really was pretty down this summer and Dawson took me in hand. I am all right again but I feel I am in my last lap. I've given all I've got to give. But I don't worry about the future. The time

comes to all of us when we must hand over and there are good hands ready.

I am very concerned about our monarch. My postbag is beginning to shew signs of widespread resentment about Mrs. Simpson. I had an hour with him last Tuesday at Fort Belvedere and for the first time talked to him about it.

I spoke plainly and he listened and we had such a talk as I hoped we should. At any rate the ice is broken but whether I made a real impression, I don't know.

I raised Canada with him

10 Downing Street, Whitehall.

and the inevitable result of the impact of the American press, and I talked to your P.M. about it. I doubt if he will have the courage to introduce the subject but he knows what to say if the Monarch does.

So far our Press has kept silent but I doubt if any person can hold it till the Coronation and then there may be trouble.

However I wanted to tell you this and I am anxious

to know how it strikes you from your end.

I hear of your lady and I will give myself the pleasure of getting into touch with her.

Bless you and go on as you are doing!

Yours ever S.B.