King's Speech

The King's Speech was long, very long, and, allegedly, very dull. Written, as usual, by the Cabinet, it was a simple declaration of the Conservative Government's policy. Only the shortest reference to the Egyptian crisis (TIME, Dec. 1 et seq.) was made. Opposition was voiced to the Anglo-Russian Treaty (TIME, Aug. 18) ; but favor was shown to a continuance of diplomatic relations. The League of Nations came in for a fair show of praise. Intention was announced of resuming work on the Singapore Naval Base (TIME, Nov. 10).

The only surprise was the announcement that the Prince of Wales would visit Argentina in 1925, after having visited South Africa. Even this was only half a surprise for it was known beforehand that the Prince was sometime to visit South America. British businessmen exulted over the visit which, said they, would surely act as a stimulus to trade. Mention of raising the British Legation at Buenos Aires to the rank of an Embassy was also made.