MR. EDEN'S CONVICTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 10

MR. EDEN'S CONVICTION

THE ONLY COURSE j

REFUSED TO BE A' '

HYPOCRITE -

(United Tress Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright) (Received February 26, 2 p.m.)

LONDON, February 25.

"I stand by every word I said in the House of Commons, and I would be despising myself tonight had I taken any other course," said Mr. Anthony Eden, former Foreign Secretary, addressing a meeting of his constituents at Leamington upon the reasons for his resignation.

"I definitely formed the opinion last weekend that the meaning of certain communications from a foreign Government was 'now or never,' and that those communications, read in their context with recent history, were open to another interpretation than I had placed on them.

"1 can say with absolute sincerity that I am more than ever convinced that my decision was right. Had I not resigrned I would Have had to tell the House of Commons I agreed with the method of dealing with the problem of Anglo-Italian relations. Unhappily, I believe exactly the opposite. In addition, I would have had .to conduct negotiations the outcome of which may • have the gravest consequences to Britain's position in the world. I should thus have become a hypocrite. IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST. "The Prime Minister has a strong view no.t only in regard to the ult-imate-aims of foreign policy but in the method of conducting them. He is fully entitled to them, but I also have j my-views, which are not the same. I jhave done my utmost to bridge the difference, and have worked in full loyalty with Mr. Chamberlain. "Last weekend I realised that this difference was great and real, and that the only possible course was for me to resign. No man can conduct foreign affairs to the best advantage by another's methods. My conviction is unshaken that I took the course of the national interest. All I maintained was that progress should first be made with the fulfilment of engagements which had been contracted before we negotiated other agreements covering the same issues. If we must not be obsessed by the past, we should,not entirely ignore it. GOVERNMENT'S SINCERITY. "The course the Government has chosen indicates the sincerity of its desire to reach an agreement, and does hot necessarily indicate wise judgment in international affairs. I cannot help feeling; that it was possible to stand firm and obtain'the same results without the risks attendant on the present CQurse. ' '' "I sincerely wish the ; Government success in its chosen course. I am content to wait and accept the verdict of: history." Turning to the future, Mr. Eden reaffirmed his faith in the National Government, and declared that it was a time to be firm and vigilant in foreign affairs. It was well to seek to allay old animosities, but not at the expense of old friendships. Mr. Eden ; spiritedly refuted a statement that he had resigned because ol the. strain of his office..

WORLD INTEREST IN SPEECH.

There were extraordinary scenes at the Leamington meeting, at which it was obvious Mr. Eden was speaking to the world, journalists being present representing the 'United States,. Italy, Germany, and other European countries.

" Crowds: greeted Mr.'Edeh at the station and followed him, cheering, to the hall, where the accommodation was overtaxed. Leaflets were distributed demanding Mr. Eden's recall and the re-establishment of foreign policy based on the League of Nations. ;

Mr. Eden .was cheered for some time when he appeared on the platform, and his speech was frequently applauded. The "News Chronicle" says that between four and five thousand ■ meetings of. protest against Mr. Eden's resignation will be held next week throughout the country demanding that the Government submit its reversal of policy to the nation at a General Election. .