PRIME MINISTER’S FIRST SPEECH

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28180, 19 January 1957, Page 11

PRIME MINISTER’S FIRST SPEECH

Comment In British Newspapers (N.Z Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, January 18. Britain’s future did not rest on whether she became a second-class or a first-class Power—but on what strength she needed to become a partner with and not a satellite to the United States, the “Daily Telegraph’’ said today. The “Daily Telegraph,” commenting on the radio and television talk given by the new Prime Minister, Mr Macmillan, last night, said: “There is plenty to cheer the already reassured holder of sterling . . . Mr Macmillan looked forward rather than back.” The “Daily Express” criticised the importance Mr Macmillan placed on the scheme for a West European common market.

The “Daily Express” said that a General Election was the only democratic answer to the present “confused” state. The “Daily Herald” said: “Mr Macmillan gives us rhetoric; what we must have is a new, clear policy. We require national leadership. The Prime Minister gives us a party speech.” The “Manchester Guardian” said: “Although there may be disagreement about particular parts of his talk, the broad intention must be welcomed as sound.”

large number of Tories still bitterly suspicious of the United States may not have cared to hear Mr Macmillan say that ‘the life ofthe Free World depends upon the partnership between us.’ But it needed reiterating fend must be adhered to.”

The “Daily Mail” said: "It (the European common market) is the project of a man who is not frightened to take bold steps along a rough road. This is the sort of leader Britain wants—and we hope that in Mr Macmillan we have found him.”

The “News Chronicle” said: “The