COLLUSION DENIED

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28159, 24 December 1956, Page 11

COLLUSION DENIED

Press Comment On Eden Speech

(Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 22. Some British newspapers yesterday said that the Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden, has satisfactorily answered charges of British and French collusion with Israel in the action against Egypt. The “Daily Herald” complained, however, that a full explanation still had to be given. Sir Anthony Eden had denied in the House of Commons that Britain had any foreknowledge of Israel’s attack? The “Manchester Guardian” today said that Sir Anthony Eden had made by far the most explicit statement yet heard.

“The pith of Sir Anthony’s statement is—‘l say quite bluntly that there was no foreknowledge that Israel would attack Egypt. But there was, and we knew that perfectly well, a risk of it. In the event of a risk of it, certain discussions and conversations took place, as I think was absolutely right, and as I think every government would do.’

The “Yorkshire Post” said it was hoped that the ugly and misleading word “collusion” would not be used again. “The Prime Minister’s answers show that there was no guilty conspiracy.” the newspaper said. The “Daily Telegraph” said that the only mystery now was why even in the Prime Minister’s absence Government members should have waited so long before publishing so forthright an answer to the collusion charge.