MR EDEN SPEAKS TO THE WORLD

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22338, 28 February 1938, Page 11

MR EDEN SPEAKS TO THE WORLD

"I STAND FIRM BY EVERY WORD" PUBLIC ENTHUSIASM AT LEAMINGTON WISDOM OF NEW POLICY QUESTIONED (UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION—COFYBIGdT.) (Received February 26, 3.10 p.m.) LONDON, February 25. "I stand firm by every word I said in the House of Commons, and I would be despising myself to-night had I taken any other course," said Mr R. A. Eden, the former Foreign Secretary, in explaining the reason for his resignation to his constituents at Leamington to-night. There were extraordinary scenes at the meeting, at which it was obvious that Mr Eden was speaking to the world. Journalists were present representing the United States, Italy, Germany, and other European countries. Crowds greeted Mr Eden at the station and followed cheering to the hall, which could not hold all those attending. Leaflets were distributed demanding Mr Eden's recall and the re-establishment of a foreign policy based on the League of Nations. Mr Eden was cheered for a long time when he appeared on the platform, and his speech was frequently applauded. "I can say with absolute sincerity that I am more than ever convinced that my decision was right," he declared. "Had I not resigned I would have told the House of Commons that I agreed with the present method of dealing with the problem of British and Italian relations. Unhappily, I believe exactly the opposite. In addition, I would havte had to conduct negotiations- the outcome of which may have had the gravest consequences for Britain o position in the world. I should thus have become a hypocrite. Faith in Government "Mr Chamberlain has strong views, not only on the ultimate amis of foreign policy but on conduct and method," declared Mr Eden. He is fully entitled to them, but I also have views which are not the same. I have done my utmost to bridge the difference, and I wonted wiw full loyalty to Mr Chamberlain. Last week-end I realised that this difference was great and real, and that the only possible course was to resign No man cantconduct foreign affairs, to the best advantage by another's methods. . "I am unshakenly convinced that I took that course in the national interest. All that I maintained was that progress should first be made with the fulfilment of engagements contracted before negotiating other agreements covering the same issues. If we must not be obsessed by the past, we should not entirely ignore it. "The course which the Government has chosen indicates sincerity and a desire to reach an agreement, but it does not necessarily indicate wise judgment in international affairs. I cannot help feeling that it was possible to stand firm and obtain the same results without the risk attendant on the present course. I sincerely wish the Government success in its chosen course. lam content to wait and accept the verdict of history." Looking to the future, Mr Eden reaffirmed his faith in the National Government, and declared that it was time to be firm and. vigilant m foreign affairs. It was well to seek to dispel old animosities, but not at the expense of old friendships. Mr Eden spiritedly refuted the suggestion that he had resigned because- of the strain of office. After Mr Eden's address a vote of confidence and assurance of support was carried. «

PROTEST MEETINGS EXPECTED

"REVERSAL" OF BRITISH POLICY GENERAL ELECTION DESIRED BY MANY LONDON, February 25. The "News-Chronicle" states that 4000 or 5000 meetings will be held next week throughout the country to protest against Mr Eden's resignation, and to demand that the Government submit its reversal of policy to the nation at a General Election.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE'S TRIBUTE "PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THAT DECISION" (Received February 27, 8.36 p.m.) LONDON, February 27. "I am not here to apologise or excuse myself. On the contrary, I was never more certain that I am right," declared Viscount Cranborne, former Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, addressing the South Dorset Conservative Council. "Mr Eden took his decision because he believed the issue to be fundamental. I am most proud to be associated with that decision."