PREMIER’S FUTURE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 60, 21 December 1935, Page 5

PREMIER’S FUTURE

SUPPORTERS NOT HAPPY. EVENTUAL RETIREMENT. THE PUBLIC NOT SATISFIED. (United Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, December 20. A correspondent of the “ Sun-Her-ald” Service says that members of the House of Commons departed to-day for tho Christmas recess, far from happy. Some of tho most loyal supporters of the Government feel that while Sir ISamuel Hoare enhanced his prestige, the Government’s case has not altogether satisfied public opinion, and completely dispelled uneasiness. Consequently it is believed in many quarters that Mr Baldwin must eventually go. Mr Baldwin would not hold office a minute if he thought he was not carrying the Complete confidence of the public. Many believe that by Easter or the summer Mr Baldwin will retire. He has frequently said in recent years that he is a tired man, and continued only in order to maintain the national character of the Government.

AUDIENCE WITH. THE KING.

MEETING OF PRIVY COUNCIL. (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, December 20. The Prime Minister (Mr Stanley Baldwin) had an audience with the King at Buckingham Palace thig morning- >. The King later held a Privy Council at the Palace.

LABOUR’S TACTICAL BLUNDER.

ATTACK ON PREMIER’S HONOUR. RALLIES THE CONSERVATIVES. (Received This Day, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, December 20. The greatest tactical blunder of the debate was Major Attlee’s declaration that the Labour resolution affected Mr Baldwin’s honour. It gave Sir Austen Chamberlain the opportunity, which he immediately seized, to rally the supporters of tho Government to Mr Baldwin’s side, a task which, as “The Times” admits,' might-otherwise have been more difficult. Actually no members of Government parties voted against the Government. The minority in both divisions consisted solely of Labourites, Opposition Liberals and the Independent Labour Party group. “The Times” says it is generally felt that Sir Austen Chamberlain could restore general confidence, and should at . least be invited to act as Foreign Secretary during the next few critical months.

RESOLUTION IN THE LORDS. OBLIGATIONS OF COVENANT. LONDON, December 19. Without a division, the House of Lords agreed to the motion, “That this House, recognising that the peace proposals are not acceptable, will .assent to any settlement consistent with the obligations under the Covenant. It urges the Government to resume the policy endorsed at the elections.”

MR EDEN NOT LIKED.

“BITTER ENEMY OF ITALY.” ANGRY CROWDS IN ROME. ROME, December 19. Well-informed circles state that Italy will not drop the Hoare-Laval proposals merely because Sir Samuel Hoare has resigned. Italy feels there is no prospect of an embargo on oil. The promotion of Mr Eden is feared, as he is regarded as a bitter enemy of Italy. 1 Crowds outside Government buildings, awaiting news, appear to be angry and puzzled.

PEACE PLAN DESTRUCTIVE,

VERY BASIS OF. THE LEAGUE,

ADDIS ABABA, December 19

The Government has notified the British and French Ministers that it rejects the peace plan as destructive of the 'League’s very basis. Ethiopia is resolved to defend her land and liberty, and is convinced that neither the Council nor the Assembly support such a settlement is is proposed.

INDEFINITELY POSTPONED. OIL EMBARGO AGAINST ITALY. GENEVA, December 19. The Committee of Eighteen has postponed indefinitely the embargo on oil against Italy, but urged continuance of existing sanctions.