ATTACK ON THE PRINCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10337, 26 February 1925, Page 5

ATTACK ON THE PRINCE

STORMY LABOUR MEETING.

THE CLYDESIDERS EMBITTERED.

(Pea- Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, February 24.

The Labour Party held a meeting to-day, at which it discussed the outburst 'by Mr D. Kirkwood. Labour member for Dumbarton, in the House of Commons against the Prince of Wales,

Mr Kirkwood was present, and explained that he was asked by the Parliamentary Labour Party executive to raise the question. He added that Mr Uamsay MacDonald was' the chairman of the meeting which decided on such action. Mr MacDonald vigorously denied this statement.

The official report of to-day's meeting declares that Mr Kirkwood's statement was based on a misunderstanding, aaid the incident is therefore closed. Other reports state that Mr KirKwood and his Clydesiders are bluntly unrepentant, and have resented the attempt to pillory them, but they and a few English Labourites are in a hopeless minority. It was stated that the misunderstanding lay in Mr Kirkwood taking seriously an executive member s casual remark that he was ttie man to take up the matter in the House. The "Daily Chronicle's" lobbyist says: "To-day's stormy Labour meeting shows that there is a growing lack of understanding between Mr Abe"" l -, aid .and his extreme elements. Mr MacDonald has begun to realise that his leadership is impossible unless the rank and file submit to discipline, but. the Scottish back-benchers refuse to accept any dictation. They regard the leader as a mere mouthpiece for their opinions." . ~ Mr Kirk wood's assertion regarding Air MacDonald comes in the nature ot a bombshell in view of Mr MacDonald s absence from the Chamber during ike debate, and the Labour leaders' subsequent expressions of disapproval ol the .attack. ■ „ , ; The political correspondent or .trie < 'Evening News'' says that . lively scenes marked the crowded Parliamentary Labour Party's private meeti'Ag. Vlr Kirkwood vigorously and defiantly: reiterated that members of the exooui tive gave the impresswm that the Party would support las attack on .the. Prince of Wales. Four Clydesiders un-, animously .supported this .and refused: to accept jfche leaders' dictation .upon what they .consider vital prmerples. lLne ( moderates .condemned the and this led .to uproar. Mr MacDonald,. who wis chairman, had difficulty an re- ; storing order. No resolution »»•£»"- ed but the Clydesiders am _mbiitered,j and tliis may Wend to a widening <ot .the; | Party split.