2110-8-1-18

[A. Hardinge]

Private and Personal

Buckingham Palace SW1

15 October 1936

My dear Lord Tweedsmuir

You will, I feel sure, be aware that [illegible] the surface of a loyal Press there is in this country a growing volume of criticism of the King's domestic affairs which I am much afraid will one day break its [illegible]. So far 'Cavalcade', the offshoot of the American 'Time', is the only paper which has spoken pretty plainly in this country and its circulation is fortunately limited though increasing rapidly in this account. With the American papers, on the other hand, it is quite different, and the articles which we see, though they say very little that is without justification appal one by the outspokenness with which they are dragging the name of the King of England in the mud. I am told that these articles are finding their way, in increasing numbers, across

the frontier of Canada and the object of my letter is to draw your attention to this aspect of the matter and to ask if you could say whether there is yet any reaction on the part of Canadian public opinion which from loyal motives is not voiced in the Press.

If my anxiety in this score is unfounded, well and good, if not, I should welcome a letter drawing attention to any harm that is being done in Canada, with proofs if possible, which at the crucial moment might be shown to the King, not necessarily by me, but by others of greater importance.

I am sorry to have to make a request which must be as distasteful to you as it is to me, but candidly I am very much concerned, though hardly surprised, at the kind of public opinion in this country and action may soon be necessary.

Yours sincerely Alexander Hardinge