Mounting Criticism Of Eden’s Leadership

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27859, 6 January 1956, Page 9

Mounting Criticism Of Eden’s Leadership

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, January 5. The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden) is under a withering crossfire of criticism, not only from the Labour Opposition but also from Government supporters and pro-Government newspapers.

The “Daily Mirror” today ended a week-long series of criticisms with a front-page report headed: “Eden is a flop . . . Even the Tories are saying it now.”

The “Daily Sketch” gave prominence to criticisms of the Prime Minister in two influential newspapers, the “Daily Telegraph” and the “Daily Mail.”

The Cabinet met for three hours yesterday to discuss Middle East problems with all the top service chiefs and services Ministers—the second Cabinet meeting in 24 hours. As the Cabinet talked. Labour’s new leader, Mr Hugh Gaitskell, summoned a meeting of his “shadow” Cabinet for today to plan a big attack on the Government soon after Parliament reassembles on January 24.

Mr Gaitskell is angry because Sir Anthony Eden refused his request to recall the House of Commons from its Christmas holiday to debate the question of surplus tanks which slipped through to Egypt through Belgium. He is angry because Sir Anthony Eden has not given a date for publication of a White Paper he promised which will tell the full story of British war surplus disposals. The Opposition had demanded the White Paper as well as the recall of Parliament.

The "Daily Mirror" said today: “Never has the prestige of a British Prime Minister sunk so low so soon after a victorious election. The Tory press is in revolt against his indecision. The Tory party is dismayed by his fumbling. Sir Anthony Eden's waning prestige—at a time of international tension—is no longer only a headache for the Tories. It is now an issue of urgent national concern."

The “Daily Mirror” used the follow? ing recent quotations from Conservative newspapers to support its report: From the “Daily Mail”: “To many events are wrapped in uncertainty and indecisiveness. . . . There are few hard and fast decisions. The Government’s trouble seems to be not paralysis so much as lack of will.” “Lost Prestige” From the “Daily Telegraph”: “The Government has lost both decisiveness and prestige. . . . This is a time for doing what is right and not what seems expedient; for courage, not timidity.” From “The Times”: “The fact has to be faced that a certain lack of touch is beginning to be felt about the present Administration.” From the weekly “Spectator” political commentator, Henry Fairlie: “There is a terrifying lack of authority at the top.” The “Daily Mirror” cartoonists “Vicky” showed a ship. H.M.S. Government, in a storm-tossed sea with Sir Anthony Eden at the wheel—but the wheel is on the sea instead of on the ship and Sir Anthony Eden is saying: “There, can’t you see? I’m holding the helm firmly.” The “Daily Sketch” columnist. “Candidus” says: “Even Conservative Party critics are agreed that Sir Anthony Eden must make up his mind to govern or step down as Prime Minister. The business of a leader is to make decisions and see they are carried out—that is the guts of leadership. That is what the Prime Minister has not supplied.”

Woman Believed Murdered.—Mrs Carmen Pedrin, mother-in-law of the professional tennis player, Pancho Gonzales, was found snot dead in her flat today. She had been shot twice in the head, but no gun was found in her flat, which was filled with gas from an unlighted wall heater.— Phoenix (Arizona), Jan. 3.