An overheated chimney was the cause of a small fire late yesterday afternoon at 32 Lucerne Road, which is listed as the residence of the Danish Vice-Consul Mr. M. G. I.
Melchior, and Mrs. Melchior. Firemen from Bubbling Well Station quickly extinguished the flames, which damaged the flooring and furr'ture slightly. The firemen returned to their station in less than half an hour.
Although Dr. Leslie Burgin, Minister of Transport, was not present at the third and last Cabinet meeting Jast night—which was followed by the announcement of Mr. Eden's resignation—it is not thought that there will be further resignations, although there will be many heartsearchings among Government back-benchers.
Government Liberals are acutely discomfited at the turn of events, and Government Labour members can scarcely be otherwise, It the Premier appoints a Foreign Secretary from the House of Lords. fresh fuel will be added to the opposition fire. It is, therefore, possible that Mr. Chamberlain will take over the post himself.
Mr, Chamberlain visited Buckingham Palace and lunched with the King to-day. It is understood that the Prime Minister had a long conversation with His Majesty in which he detailed all the recent events leading to the resignation of Mr, Eden.
In order to be present for the debate, the Prime Minister, Mr, Neville Chamberlain, had cancelled an engagement to attend a banquet in connection with the British Industries Fair, which opened this morning.
When the House adjourned on Friday, Mr, Eden appeared to be firmly in office, despite rumours of differences of opinion between himself and Mr. Chamberlain, Asked by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. C. R. Attlee, on Friday whether he would have a further statement to make about Austria on Monday, Mr, Eden replied: "I certainly hope to be in a position to make a fuller statement on Monday." This statement was devoted by Mr. Eden to-day to explaining his resignation.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.