“BETRAYAL OF ELECTORS”

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22340, 2 March 1938, Page 11

“BETRAYAL OF ELECTORS”

Government Accused At Labour Meeting WITHDRAWAL OF SUPPORT FOR REARMAMENT (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received March 1, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 28. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee), speaking at the Kingsway Hall, accused the Government of progressive betrayal of the electors, Britain’s security, and the cause of democracy. He added that the age of international anarchy had returned.

Apparently an alliance was being prepared with Signor Mussolini—

An interjeotor; No. There will be a General Strike first. Mr Attlee said he believed the Italian regime was tottering; but British policy was riveting the yoke more firmly round the Italians’ necks. The electors must tell the Government that it could not defy popular opinion. The whole Cabinet should be given orders to quit. Mr Alfred Watt, speaking as secretary of the London Trades Council, warned Mr Neville Chamberlain to remember that the trades union movement had supported rearmament on the Government’s assurance that it was solely for resistance to aggression. Nevertheless, the trades union movement, if the Government tore up its pledges—as Mr Chamberlain’s speeches seemed to indicate—might be compelled to reconsider its previous decision. _ The Government must not gull itself into the belief that the people would pay taxes and continue to trust it merely because the Government said it was necessary.