ALS by Stanley Baldwin to Sir Ian Malcolm about the Abdication Crisis 1936

BALDWIN, Stanley (1867-1947), Prime Minister. Autograph letter signed to Sir Ian Malcolm concerning the Abdication Crisis, 13 December 1936.
 
Single sheet, approximately 120 x 190 mm, written on one side in ink by Stanley Baldwin on 10 Downing Street stationery with the Prime Minister's crest. Old folds and light handling marks. Sir Ian Malcolm's contemporary manuscript notes to the reverse identify the subject as the "Abdication of King Edward VIII" and refer to his two letters to Baldwin, one expressing sympathy with the Prime Minister's constitutional difficulties and the other admiration for Baldwin's statement of 10 December. Very Good.
 
Baldwin writes: "My dear Ian, I shall always treasure your two letters coming as they do from an old friend with a rare knowledge of political life and from one whose good opinion I always value.
Thank you from my heart. Ever yours, Stanley Baldwin"
 
An interesting Baldwin letter written at the climax of the Abdication Crisis. Edward VIII had executed his Instrument of Abdication on 10 December 1936, and Baldwin addressed Parliament that day on the King's decision; the legislation giving effect to the abdication followed immediately afterwards. Written on 13 December, Baldwin's letter thanks Malcolm for two supportive letters concerning his handling of the crisis, including Malcolm's praise for Baldwin's statement of 10 December.
 
Sir Ian Zachary Malcolm (1868-1944) was a Conservative politician and former MP for Stowmarket, Croydon and Croydon South. He had also undertaken diplomatic and public work, including service with the Balfour Mission to the United States during the First World War and as private secretary to Arthur Balfour at the Paris Peace Conference.