Resignation Near, Many Believe

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30259, 11 October 1963, Page 15

Resignation Near, Many Believe

IN Z.P.A .-Reuter—CopyngM) LONDON, October 10. Several influential newspapers today carried predictions from their political correspondents that the Prime Minister, Mr Harold Macmillan, will give up the Conservative Party leadership.

Much prominence was given to the announcement that the deputy-Prime Minister, Mr R. A. Butler, will address the party rally on Saturday instead of Mr Macmillan. The appearance—which can set the keynote of party efforts to prepare for the General Election to be held some time within the next 12 months—was generally seen as streng’hening his hand for succession. "The Times” political correspondent said Conservative officials were convinced that the illness showed that Mr Macmillan’s effective career as party leader was coming rapidly to an end. Mr Macmillan's retirement from politics, whatever the outcome of his operation, is “'he overwhelming belief in all sectors of the Conservative Party.” the "Daily Mail” correspondent said. “The Times” said that many people would feel a natural repugnance to the idea that Mr Macmillan's successor should be chosen while he was on a sick bed. They would want the leadership shelved until he had plainly and publicly made his own wishes clear, a leading article commented. “On this reckoning, his illness, untimely and unfortunate as it is, should ensure his remaining in office,” “The Times" said. It added: "But the Prime Minister is a realist. He knows that politics is a harsh master It is necessary for the nation’s future political health tha‘ the coming election finds both partes at their best and the battle be closely fougnt” There are three probable e '.otestatuts fbc the succession. according to a Conservative member of Parliament. Sir Gerald Nabarro who says they are: Butler—donnish, Aignsfied and dull

Haulsham—ebullient, erudite and erratic. Maudhng—manly, matey and money-wise. "The mantle of the premiership should fall on Hailsham. Any erratic tendencies he has recently displayed on television would surely quickly melt away." Sir Gerald Nabarro said. The Labour Party leaders have decided, in view of Mr Macmillans illness, not to press for the early recall of Parliament. Landon political sources sand They had been asking for a debate on the Denning report. The next session is due to begin on October 29.