Mr Eden’s Resignation

Evening Star, Issue 22889, 22 February 1938, Page 9

Mr Eden’s Resignation

BRITISH CABINET RIFT . A Personal Decision Unable to Agree with European Policy

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 21. The Cabinet rift is explained in Mr Eden’s letter of resignation, addressed to Mr Chamberlain, in which he says: “ The last few days have made it plain that there is a difference between us on a decision of great importance in itself and far-reach-ing in its consequences. I cannot recommend to Parliament a policy with which I am not in agreement. Apart from this I have become increasingly conscious, as I know you have, of the difference in outlook between us in respect to international problems of the day and concerning the methods by which we should seek to resolve ,them. It cannot be in the country’s interest that those directing its affairs should work in an uneasy partnership, fully conscious of differences in outlook, yet hoping they will not recur.” Before taking leave of his colleagues Mr Eden expressed the hope that they would still support the Government. He explained that his decision was personal and he did not wish to be involved in any political movement whatever, because he would continue to support the National Government, \

PERSONAL EXPLANATION IN COMMONS FOREIGN POLICY METHODS QUESTIONED DIFFERENT VIEWS ON OUTLOOK AND AIM LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 10 a.m.') In the House of Commons, at 3.50 p.ra., # Mr Eden, from his corner seat, received prolonged cheering when he slowly, and obviously under stress, said; “The occasion is most painful to me, both personally and politically, but at times strong political convictions must over-ride all other considerations, of which only the individual himself can judge. None can be the keeper of another’s conscience.”( Cheers.) “ The ultimate aim of us all, and the objectives of British foreign policy,” Mr Eden continued, ‘i must always be maintainance of peace, but if peace is to be enduring it must rest on foundations of frank reciprocity and mutual respect, but the method by which we seek that end must strengthen, not undermine, the foundation on which international imnfidence rests.

It is understood that Mr Chamberlain considered it essential that Signor Gfandi’s visit should not be immediately followed by anything that could be interpreted as a rebuff from Britain, which would; postpone the prospect of a general European settlement. On the contrary, Mr Eden attached great importance to the preliminary agreement regarding non-intervention in Spain, at least to the extent of Italy’s adherence to the system and the time of withdrawal, which other Powers accepted. Moreover, Mr Eden felt that he was not the best man to carry on the negotiations with which he was widely supposed abroad to be out of sympathy. Accordingly the difference appeared to be reduced to a question of procedure. There was no question of accepting or rejecting definite claims from Signor Grandi. However, Mr Eden’s colleagues agreed with Mr Chamberlain that Signor Grandi should not be placed in a position to say be had been repelled, and they tried to persuade Mr Eden to relent, but Mr Eden’s determination was based on broader grounds than the immediate point at issue.

“We must be ready to negotiate with all countries, whatever their form of government, in order to promote international understanding.” After reference to “ certain exchanges of views ” between England and Italy regarding the opening of conversations between the two Governments, Mr Eden continued: “ The immediate issue is whether such official conversations should be opened. Now it is my conviction that the attitude of the Italian Government to international problems in general, and to this country in particular, is not yet such as to justify this course. (Opposition cheers.) Propaganda against Britain by the Italian Government is rife throughout the world. I myself gave a pledge to this House that I would not open conversations with Italy ■ until this hostile propaganda ceases. Though much is promised little progress has been made to the solution of the Spanish problem. I do not suggest, nor do I advocate, that the Government should refute conversations with the Italian Government or any other Government which shows any disposition to conversations with us for the betterment of international understanding, but we must be convinced of the likelihood of success in any such conversations. I do not think those conditions exist today. In January last year we signed an Anglo-Italian agreement, but almost simultaneously the first considerable consignment of Italian battalions was sent to Spain. The Prime Minister and Signor Mussolini exchanged letters last summer, and for a few days relations between Britain and Italy took a marked turn for the better; then ensued incidents in the Mediterranean and glorification by the head of the Italian Government of the victorious Italian forces in Spain. My submission is that we cannot risk further repetition of this experience; therefore it is my contention that before the Government opens official conversations with Romo we must make further progress with the Spanish problem. We must agree not only on the need for withdrawal and conditions of withdrawal, but we must show the world it is not only a promise but an achievement.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S REPLY A PAINFUL PARTING LONDON, February 21. Mr Chamberlain, replying to Mr Eden, said: “ The decision which is not 'acceptable to you is whether the present moment is appropriate for the commencement of Anglo-Italian conversations. We hoped you would not feel this of sufficient importance to necessitate parting, which is painful to all of us, as there has been so large a measure of agreement between us. Since your letter shows that a fundamental policy is incompatible with our further collaboration, I have no alternative but to accept your decision.”- , Mr Chamberlain concluded by warmly thanking Mr Eden for his loyal and helpful comradeship.

NO FURTHER RESIGNATIONS POSSIBILITY OF GENERAL ELECTION DISCOUNTED LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 10 a.m.) It is authoritatively stated that there is no question of further resignations from the Cabinet. Mr Chamberlain, before lunching with their Majesties at Buckingham Palace, had a long talk with the King, when he detailed the events leading up to Mr Eden’s resignation. The possibility of a General Election is discounted in Government circles.

" The recent months, recent weeks, and recent days have seen successive violations of international agreements and attempts to secure political decisions forcibly. In the light of the present international situation this is the moment for this country to stand firm. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) “ Agreements that are worth while are never made on the basis of threats, nor in the past has Britain been willing to negotiate on such conditions. It is seldom right to depart from traditional methods of diplomacy, which is to prepare for conversations before they are formally opened. It is certainly never right to do so because one party to the negotiations intimates it is now or never.”- “~ Mr Eden added that this was not an isolated issue between the Prime Minister and himself within the past few weeks upon on© of the most important decisions of foreign policy which did not concern Italy at all. “ Our difference,” he said, “ was fundamental.” Ho added" that if his colleagues were right their chances of success would be enhanced if their policy was pursued by a Foreign Secretary with complete conviction in the methods he was being asked to employ. “ it recently became clear to me, and I think to the Prime Minister,” he said, " that there is between us a real difference in outlook and method. It may be argued that this is not a difference in fundamental principles in the sense of objective. “ All foreign policy is maintenance of peace. That is true, but in inter-

BRITISH PRESS COMMENT DIVERGENT VIEWS. LONDON, February 21. The ‘ Daily Herald,’ in a leader, says: “ With Mr Eden goes the last pretence that the Government cares for the ideals of international justice, to which Britain has repeatedly committed itself. Mr Eden has been sacrificed to Signor Mussolini, but to secure Signor Mussolini’s friendship much more than a Foreign Secretary will be sacrificed.” The ' Daily Telegraph,’ jn a leader, says: “ The country learns of Mr Eden’s resignation with profound regret. He has filled the office with the greatest distinction.” The ‘ Daily Mail,’ in a leader, says: “ The country will be relieved to learn of Mr Eden’s resignation. Mr Eden’s policy produced uncertainty at Home and bewilderment abroad, allowing Geneva to colour the whole policy. Lord Halifax succeeds him with first-hand valuable contact with the international situation.”.

national affairs can anyone define where outlook and method end and principle begins?”- Raising his voice, Mr Eden declared: “ The Prime Minister has strong views on foreign policy, I respect him for it; and I have strong views, too. Theso views have resulted in divergence not of aim, but of outlook and approach. It is clearly in the national interest that unity should be restored at the earliest possible moment. The conviction has steadily grown upon me that there is an over-keen desire on our part to make terms with others rather than that others should make terms with us.” “ I do not believe that we can progress in European appeasement, more particularly in the light of events in the past few days, if we allow the impression to gain currency abroad that we yield to constant pressure. I am certain that progress depends above all on the temper of the nation, and that temper must find expression in a firm spirit. I aim confident that the spirit is there, and not to give voice to it is, I believe, fair neither to this country not to the world.”- (Loud cheers.-).

Expressing the view that Mr Eden in one point was not quite fair, Mr Chamberlain continued: “Ho represented to the House that tho Italian Government called on us to enter conversations now or never, and that we were being asked to submit to a threat. There was nothing in any communication from the Italian Government which in my opinion would justify that description.”- He added that Mr Eden had asked him not to commit the Government to anything specific in conversations, and Signor Grand! and had abstained from anything of that kind. It was after the talks with Signor Grandi that the differences between Mr Eden and himself first became acute. “I am convinced that a rebuff to the Italian desire for conversations would be regarded in Italy as confirming suspicions that we were V never really in earnest about the conversations. If that were the impression the result would be disastrous. It would be followed by an intensification of tho anti-British feeling in Italy rising to a point at which ultimately war between us might become inevitable. Mr Eden, on tho contrary, wanted to wait for the substantial withdrawal of volunteers, but made it clear that his objections still remained, even if acceptance of the British formula for withdrawal was obtained from Italy.” The Prime Minister disclosed that Signor Grandi that morning had conveyed a message from the Italian Government accepting the British formula concerning the withdrawal of foreign volunteers from Spain. Amid jeers from the Opposition, Mr Chamberlain was understood to add; “ And the granting of belligerent rights.’The Opposition several times interrupted Mr Chamberlain as he added: “The Ambassador intimated that the communication was a gesture on the part of the Italian Government, indicating the spirit of goodwill in which she wished tc> begin the conversations.” Mr Will Thorne interjected: “They knew; Mr Eden had gone. Mr Chamberlain said Signor Grandi informed him that the communication had been received from Rome on February 20. That was before Mr Eden resigned. (Ministerial cheers.), Mr Chamberlain said he told Signor Grand! that a settlement of the Spanish question must be regarded as an essential feature of any agreement. He added that he was not there to say that the actions of Italy in the past had been satisfactory. He was concerned with the future. There was good hope that with goodwill the negotiations would he brought to a successful conclusion.

LORD CRANBORNE S POSITION IN FULL AGREEMENT WITH MR EDEN LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 11 a.m.) Lord Oranbone said he resigned because he was in fullest agreement with Mr Eden on a matter of fundamental principle. To enter into official conversations with Italy would, be regarded as no contribution to peace, but as a surrender to blackmail. (Cheers.) Unless the nations were able to trust one another, agreements were valueless, PRIME MINISTER'S EXPOSITION GOVERNMENT'S AIMS AND POLICY OUTLINED LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 11 a.ni.) Mr Chamberlain, in moving the adjournment of the House to enable a discussion, said Mr Eden’s resignation came as a shock. None of his colleagues anticipated any danger of such an event until a few days ago, when last week a section of the Press declared that there were serious differences. Ho was Under the impression that there was complete agreement—that the Government had not felt the differences on the immediate question sufficiently important to make Mr Eden’s resignation necessary, " My foreign policy,” he said, “ is based on three principles-—the protection of British interests and the lives of nationals, maintenance of peace and settlement of differences peacefully, not by force, and the promotion of friendly relations with other nations who are willing to reciprocate and keep the rules of ifiternational conduct, without which there can be neither security nor stability.”

Mr Chamberlain said he did mot believe ifc impossible with goodwill and determination to remove genuine grievances, for which reason the Government had been seeking an opportunity for conversations with Italy and Germany to find whether there was any common ground on which they might build up a general scheme of European appeasement. After referring to the gentlemen’s agreement with Italy in 1937 and the exchange of personal letters with Signor Mussolini last year, Mr Chamberlain said:, “ Unfortunately, certain incidents occurred in the Mediterranean which in the British Government’s opinion rendered it impossible that conversations at that time could have any chance of success.

“ It could not be denied,” said Mr Chamberlain, “ that during the months since the original interchange of letters with Signor Mussolini, Anglo-Italian relations have seriously steadily deteriorated. It always seemed to mo in dealing with foreign countries that we do not give ourselves a chance of success unless we try to understand their mentality, which is not always the same as our own. I am informed that all this time, when it appeared that obstacles to conversations had arisen entirely from Italian action, exactly the opposite view was held in Rome. All this time the suspicion was growing in Rome that we did not want conversations at all, and were engaged in a Machiavellian design to lull the Italians into inactivity while we completed our rearmament programme with the intention presently of taking revenge for the conquest of Abyssinia. It was in a stead-ily-worsening atmosphere overhanging the relations with Italy, that a fresh opportunity arose to break from the vicious circle. When Signor Grandi, after talks, called at the Foreign Office, he said the Italian Government was ready at any time to open conversations. Signor Grandi said his Government desired the conversations to' be as wide as possible, embracing the formal recognition of the Abyssinian conquest, and not excluding Spain. The Government replied that it was bound to act as a loyal member of the League of Nations and that the attitude of the League, especially the Mediterranean Powers, would be considerably influenced if Britain and Italy reached an agreement which was a real contribution to general appeasement. The Foreign Secretary emphasised that this was a factor which would have great weight with public opinion in Britain and France, on the Mediterranean, and in the United States. Mr Chamberlain added that in all this the Foreign Secretary spoke for the Government as a whole. “ I have always taken the view that the question of the formal recognition of the Italian position in Abyssinia was morally justifiable only if it was found to be an essential factor in general appeasement. (Opposition cries of ‘Shame. It will never be!’). That was the view of all of us. including the Foreign Secretary.”-

.“We are seeking general appeasement throughout Europe,” he said, “ and peace in Europe must depend on the attitude of the four Powers—ltaly, Germany, England, and France. Are we to allow these two pairs of nations to continue clamouring at one another across the frontiers, allowing feeling to become more and more embittered until at last the barriers are broken down and a conflict begins which many think would mark the end of civilisation, or can we bring them to an understanding of one another’s aims and objects and such discussions as may lead to final settlement? If we can do this we shall have saved peace in Europe for a generation.” THE OPPOSITION LEADER. Mr Attlee said public opinion would equally condemn the Government now as when Sir Samuel Hoare resigned. He declared that the new Foreign Minister must be a member of the House of Commons, as an Under-Sec-retary would be unable satisfactorily to reply to questions, Mr Attlee added that Mr Eden’s retirement was being acclaimed as another great victory for Signor Mussolini. Mr Attlee said: “An agreement resulting from Mr Chamberlain’s methods, which are lacking in principle, will make Signor Mussolini master of the Mediterranean, which is sheer madness from a strategic viewpoint. It involves the end of the League, and will be regarded throughout Europe as an abject surrender to the dictators. ” THE LIBERAL LEADER. Sir Archibald Sinclair said Mr Eden’s resignation would be the subject of rejoicing among the enemies of Britain, and would discourage her friends. The dictators would exult, while the free peoples would be filled with foreboding.

SCENES IH THE HOUSE MR CHAMBERLAIN'S CASE OF INTEREST TO DOMINIONS LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 11 a.m.) The House of Commons was so crowded that many had to sit in the gallery. Mr Winston Churchill and Mr Lloyd George were present. The latter, who was cheered specially, had returned from the South of France to join in the attack on Mr Chamberlain. ‘ * When Mr Chamberlain entered later there were cheers from the Ministerial benches and some booing from the Opposition. Mr Eden and Lord Cranborno took their seats amid tremendous cheering, drowning the voice of a Minister answering a question. The Australian Associated Press says Mr Chamberlain’s case is vitally significant to the dominions, because, although the present crisis really came to a head over Mr Chamberlain’s and Mr Eden’s differences, actually it dates from the Imperial Conference. It was there that the dominion delegates pressed for European appeasement and indicated a keenness to see that Britain should negotiate with Herr Hitler. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Rome correspondent says it is understood that Signor Mussolini’s memorandum, which Signor Grandi handed to Mr Chamberlain at the week-end, suggested that, in view of Italy’s newly-won empire in Ati'ica, it was imperative that she

i should share the defence of the Suez Canal. The British United Press correspondent at Berlin says it is believed that Herr Hitler’s references to the democracies would have been less tart if he had known of Mr Eden’s resignation. It is felt that there is now a better chance of an Anglo-German understanding. A TENSE ATMOSPHERE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 21. (Received February 22, at noon.) The House of Commons this afternoon was crowded in every part for the explanatory statements on the resignation of Mr Eden. The diplomatic and distinguished 1 strangers’- galleries were full. In a tense and expectant atmosphere the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon) rose to answer a Foreign Office question. He made a statement on Austria, and said his Majesty’s Government had no information on the attitude of the Italian Government to the recent developments in Austria beyond what had been stated in the Italian Press. Question time was punctuated by sharp bursts of cheering on the entry of the Prime Minister, who was warmly received by the Ministerialists, and of Mr Eden, who was greeted from all parts of the House as he walked to a seat below the gangway, which is usually taken by a Minister who has resigned. The Father of the House (Mr Lloyd George), was also welcomed on his return from his holiday abroad.

Amplifying his statement in the House of Commons regarding AngloItalian negotiations, .Mr Chamberlain announced that the British Ambassador in Rome would be instructed to come to London for the fullest instructions, so that international conversations could be opened with Count Ciano at once. He added that he had impressed certain points on Signor Grandi, the first of which was that the British Government regarded a settlement of the Spanish question as being essential to any agreement.

Secondly, they were loyal members of the League of Nations, and would desire to obtain the League’s approval for any agreement, and if they were to be able to recommend an agreement for approval the situation in Spain must not have been materially altered during the conversations by either the sending of fresh Italian reinforcements to General Franco or failure by the Italians to implement the arrangement contemplated by the British formula, SUPPORT FOB m EDEN'S POLICY UNRESERVED NEGOTIATIONS WITH ITALY CONDEMNED LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 11 a.m.) The Council of Action for Peace and Reconstruction has issued a manifesto supporting Mr Eden’s policy and condemning unreserved negotiations with Italy, also declaring that millions of electors rightly regarded Mr Eden as a firm supporter of the League. The reply to the Government’s attempt at betrayal of national honour and Imperial interests must be an unmistakable nation-wide call for Mr Eden’s recall and re-establishment of bis policy of no surrender on principles. SIGNOR GRAND! VISITS DOWNING STREET (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 21. '(Received February 22, at noon.). Signor Grandi, on the invitation of Mr Chamberlain, visited No. 10 Downing Street this morning. Mr Chamberlain was accompanied by Lord Halifax and Sir Alexander Cadogan.

FEELING SIMMERS DOWN SPLIT IN GOVERNMENT LESS LIKELY LONDON, February 2L(Received February 22, at 1.25 p.m.). The Associated Press says there is every indication as the outcome of today’s hapenings that a General Election is less imminent than thought possible last night. Moreover, with the avoidance of further resignations, a split within the Government is ’ less likely in the immediate future. ' Feeling in the Commons lobbies simmered down considerably as the debate progressed. However, uncertainty exists regarding the Simonite Liberals, who idealistically support Mr Eden’s viewpoint and may be inclined to cause a breach.

Thousands of telegrams reached | the Commons from constituencies expressing sympathy with Mr Eden, whose own telegrams exceeded 2,000. ; One of Mr Chamberlain’s chief difficulties will bo in finding Mr Eden’s successor, because the response throughout the Commons to Mr Attlee’s! assertion that the Commons would n?ver tolerate a Foreign Secretary sitting in the Lords suggests that the new Foreign Secretary must be a member of the Commons. Speculation to-night centred round Sir Thomas Inskip, Mr W. S. Morrison, and even Mr Malcolm MacDonald. A largely attended meeting of The Conservative members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, presided over by Lord Phillimore, expressed unqualified support for Mr Chamberlain. •

“ RESULT OF HERR HITLER'S ATTACK " GENERAL OPINION IN GERMANY LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 1.30 p.m.) The Berlin correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says every German is certain that Mr Eden’s resignation was the direct result of Herr Hitler’s attack. “ VICTORY FOR MUSSOLINI " LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 1.30 p.m.) The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Rome correspondent says the resignation is regarded as a victory for Signor Mussolini, because the Non-intervention Committee will thrash out the removal of the volunteers from Spain, while English and Italian conversations for a settlement of wider questions can proceed. Moreover, it is thought that Mr Chamberlain will be an easy negotiator. BULWARK OF LEAGUE MINISTER'S TRIBUTE

[Feb United Peess Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, February 22,

“ We must all regret the resignation of that wonderful young statesman, Mr Eden,” said the Hon. D. G. Sullivan when opening the New Zealand Rotary Conference to-day, “ He was the bulwark of the League of Nations, keeping Britain’s head high in international affairs without pandering to dictators or bowing to militarists. If the ideals of Rotary are spread throughout the world, we may again see a strong League of Nations. FRANCE DISAPPOINTED ’ PARIS, February 31. France's immediate reaction is disappointment at the withdrawal of a good friend to France and peace. She wonders how far subsequent reversal of the British foreign policy will go. OPINION IN ITALY LONDON, February 21. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Rome correspondent says: “It was claimed that Mr Eden’s position was untenable when the Italian Prfess wrote last week that an agreement with Italy was impossible while he controlled the Foreign Office. Italy expressed the opinion that her new East Africa empire gives her the right to share in the defence of the Suez Canal.”y ** ITALY’S ENEMY IS OUT " LONDON, February 21. (Received. February 22, at 8 a.m.) The unofficial view in Italy is that Mr Eden’s resignation is that “ Italy’s enemy is out,” and that a considerable improvement in, Anglo-Italian relations can now be expected, but it is emphasised that Britain must not expect a parallel cooling in Italo-German relations.

GENERAL ELECTION EXPECTED LONDON, February 21. (Received February 22, at 8 a.m.) Tbe feeling in France is that a General Election will shortly bo necessary in Britain, and no doubt Labour will be successful and everyone is asking whpt will happen thereafter. NO REGRETS IN GERMANY BERLIN, 'February 21. Germany does not regret the resignation of Mr Eden, who, according to the political spokesman, was the personification of prejudice against her, v CANADIAN COMMENT WITHHELD NEW YORK, February 21. “ Canadian Government leaders considered that the events leading to Mr Eden’s resignation are a regrettable domestic afiair not directly affecting Canada,’’ states the Ottaw;a correspondent of the United Press, /‘therefore comment is withheld. Mr Mackenzie King is reserving comment for the House of Commons if the subject is brought up.”