SPLIT IN RANKS

Evening Star, Issue 23174, 25 January 1939, Page 11

SPLIT IN RANKS

THE BRITISH LABOUR PARTY SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS’S CHALLENGE TO EXECUTIVE LONDON, January IS. In spite of the persistence with which all sections of the Labour Party are attacking the Government, the party is no nearer to finding unity. Sir [Stafford Cripps, K.C., is again dividing the ranks by the issue of a memorandum in favour of co-operation between Labour and other Opposition groups for a common front. This constitutes a challenge to the Labour Executive and an appeal over its head to the party and the country. Mr D. N. Pritt, G.C., and Miss Ellen Wilkinson, Labour members of the House of Commons, associate themselves with Sir Stafford Cripps. The executive regards this as an act of defiance, and has therefore summoned a special meeting for to-mor-row.

Sir Stafford Cripps has circulated a memorandum to all trades unions and local branches of the Labour Party.

The meeting should bring about the first real and comprehensive test of Labour opinion on the issue. Mr C. 0. Attlee, Leader of the Opposition, and other Labour leaders, unequivocally condemn the lonnnoti front, but in view of Sir Stafford Cripps’s ability and prestige they fear to remove him from the inner circle of the party.