PUBLIC PUZZLED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 281, 28 November 1938, Page 7

PUBLIC PUZZLED.

CONFUSION REIGNS. Hitler's Acts Cause Loss Of Government Support. MR. ANTHONY EDEN'S HOPES. LOXDON", November 22. Confusion in the public mind over the European situation is rapidly reflecting itself in British polities. Mr. Chamberlain's policy of appeasement ("we won't sit down and wait for peace") is seriously jeopardised—as lias been publicly admitted by the Minister for Defence Co-ordination, Sir Ihoin as Jnskip, and the Secretary for India, the Alanpiis of Zetland. r lhe public is now increasingly sceptical of accepting the dictators' assurances, and is profoundly shocked by the violence of the Cenuaii Press campaign against Britain. Nevertheless, there is no real evidence so far that the mass of the people have forgotten that Mr. Chamberlain saved the Kmpire from war. aiul a general election in February is most unlikely. So far, no attempt has been made by the Opposition to make party capital out of the persecution of tlie Jews, concerning which the extreme Conservatives are equally as indignant as extreme Labourites. Hut it cannot be denied that Herr Hitler, after the Munich Pact, has done everything in his power to strengthen Mr. Chamberlain's critics. Added to this. Mr. Chamberlain faces discontent in his own party, largely because members are still unconvinced that British defence preparations are .adequate. Jolts in By-elections. Nothing better illustrates the confusion in the public mind than the results of recent by-elections. The Government expected to win, but lost, Dartford. It expected to lose, but handsomely won, Walsall. Most remarkable of all was Bridgewater, where the Government, although its vote was almost unchanged, lost heavily. Features of each by-election have been the unprecedentedly high voting—for example, 84 per cent in Bridgewater— and the fact that each winning candidate is an outstanding personality. Thousands of -voters, dissatisfied with party machines, supported the independent candidate. Some interpret this as a sign of revival among progressive elements favourable to Mr. Anthony Eden. Mr. Eden's Position. Mr. Eden's re-emergence in the public eye, has tended to weaken Mr. Chamberlain's following outside, more than within, Parliament, but now it is generally agreed that Mr. Eden's aim is not to split the Government and form a centre party, but to exert pressure on Mr. Chamberlain to adopt nationwide defensive measures. He would prefer a reconciliation -with ■ Mr. Chamberlain on such lines, thereby strengthening his prospects of obtain- • ing the Premiership, which is his pre- ' dominant aim. Most politicians do not think Mr. ; Eden is of sufficient calibre for the Premiership. If he returned to the Ministry, the Government's standing in the country would be greatly strengthened, because among the public he enjoys great personal popularity.