Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1942. THE BRITISH CABINET.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 41, 27 November 1942, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1942. THE BRITISH CABINET.

The principal interest in the recent changes in the British Cabinet centres, in New Zealand as well as in Britain, in the departure of Sir Stafford Cripps from the War Cabinet. He also retires from the important position of Leader of the House of Commons to take up a portfolio in which able predecessors can, have left little scope for force and initiative. But though this is the case Sir Stafford’s gifts of penetration and comprehension, his scientific know- : ledge, and his unique knowledge of the interlocking forces of great corporations, will bring a new and discerning approach to problems at the Ministry of Aircraft Production, where one of the master keys to victory is being cut. A position in the War Cabinet, calling for the closest team work, was an uneasy one for a man of his independent line of thought and action. In his new office he will be better suited. Neither as Leader of the House of Commons did Sir Stafford find a congenial task. His swift mind would chafe at the need for compromise, for sensing and humouring the mood of members. In this post Sir Stafford is followed by Mr R. A. Eden, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Mr Eden will not make a brilliant success of his leadership- His presept elevation is, however, the reward of character marked by steadiness and stability. His appointment to a position in the House of Commons similar to that held in the House of Lords by Viscount Cranborne is a coincidence of more than usual interest. •It was in February, 1938, that, refusing to proceed with the policy of appeasement favoured by jMr Chamberlain, Mr Eden, with his Undersecretary, left the Foreign Office Events proved that unfortunately they were correct in their view of the trend of Hitlerism. War soon brought their vindication, which is now complete.