Their Majesties

Arrived at Paris last Week on his way to London (TIME, July 5), Alfonso XIII, high-spirited, sartorially perfect, fundamentally virile, troubled himself far more over purchasing a new racing car, than with rumors that the French police had barely thwarted an attempt upon his life. While his Queen, Victoria Engenie, shopped in the Rue de la Paix, the King's motor attained a speed so terrific on the broad Champs Elysees that he distanced not only his official escort but also several motorcycle policement, who, not knowing his identity, gave chase with intent to accomplish his arrest.

Refreshed by this escapade, Alfonso boarded a cross-channel packet, set sail for England accompanied by his consort and their eldest son and daughter, Alfonso, Prince of Asturias, 19, and the Infanta Beatriz, 17.

Their Spanish Majesties, desiring to avoid the pomp of a state visit, settled themselves in a cozy-suite at the Claridge. Their Britannic Majesties, tactful, welcomed them for lunch at Buckingham Palace.

To the Claridge there came also the King and Queen whose onetime kingdom is ruled by Dictator President Pangalos. Alfonso XIII welcomed cordially their (deposed 1923) Majesties King George II and Queen Elizabeth of Greece.

To news gatherers King Alfonso said: "I have been and am still an ardent partisan of the League of Nations. . . . But, if we do not obtain the definite satisfaction which is due to Spain [i.e., a permanent seat on the League Council (TIME, March 29 et seq. LEAGUE)], we could be induced not to have the same interest in the League as heretofore" (i.e., an intimation that Spain is not irrevocably resolved upon withdrawing from the League, but still hopes for a permanent seat).

Replying to questions anent the revolutionary outburst in Spain (TIME, July 5) Alfonso rapped out: "If there were grave troubles in Spain, do you think I would be here now?"

During the week despatches indicated an exceedingly grave situation in Spain. The potent army juntas ("committees": military trade unions) were reported to have turned almost solidly against Dictator Premier Primo de Rivera. He was said to have responded by arresting over 400 army officers, and to have imprisoned as a hostage the daughter of insurgent General Luque who had managed to escape to France. While the Spanish censorship obscured all details, returning travelers reported pessimistically that the De Rivera Government, unable to rely upon the loyalty of the Army, has hastily armed the police with full war equipment.