TRIBUTES TO MR BEVIN

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26397, 16 April 1951, Page 7

TRIBUTES TO MR BEVIN

Work In Peace And War

(Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, April 14. In a tribute to Mr Bevin, the Prime Minister (Mr Attlee) said: “In the difficult post-war period, Mr Bevin showed u Foreign Secretary high courage and wise statesmanship. He was one of the outstanding figures in the international scene.

“He laboured untiringly for peace, and is entitled to a large share of credit for the economic recovery of Europe and the making of the Atlantic Pact

“I mourn the loss of a very dear friend and loyal colleague of outstanding ability.” The-Leader of the Opposition (Mr Churchill), paying a tribute to Mr Bevin, said: “I am deeply grieved at the death of my war-time comrade. A valiant spirit has passed from us. He has his place in history.” The Foreign Secretary (Mr Herbert Morrison) said: “We in the Government, together with the Labour Movement throughout the world, mourn his passing and salute the memory of a great man.” The Deputy-Leader of the Opposition (Mr Anthony Eden) said he and Mr Bevin were close colleagues for five years during the Second World War. “We never had a harsh word, and I felt a deep affection for him,” said Mr Eden. “He had courage and rugged strength, and would never compromise on fundamentals. He was gallant to the end.” M- Hector McNeil, who as Minister of State, was Mr Bevin’s principal a-s'stant at the Foreign Office, said: “I think that if any man died for his country, Ernest Bevin did.” The Leader of the Liberal Party (Mr Clement Davies) said: “Mr Bevin was indeed a great man, rich in experience, firm of purpose, and wise of counsel.”