NOT SACRIFICED TO INTRIGUE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20140, 9 January 1940, Page 5

NOT SACRIFICED TO INTRIGUE

WAR SECRETARY MERE GUESSWORK LONDON SPECULATION SUGGESTION REFUTED VITAL INTERVIEW WORDS OF PREMIER \ (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Jan. 9, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 8. The Daily Mail in an editorial says that the dismissal of Mr. L. HoreBelisha from the War Office produced a state of speculation much of which was mere guesswork. “The character and reputation alone of the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, are sufficient, however, to refute the suggestion that Mr. Hore-Belisha was sacrificed to army intrigue. The Prime Minister is the last man in the world to tolerate a military dictatorship,” states the Daily Mail. “Nothing in the faintest degree discreditable is involved, nor is the war effort in any way diminished,”

The News-Chronicle learns that when Mr. Hore-Belisha had his vital interview with Mr. Chamberlain on Thursday, Mr. Chamberlain promised him that he would live in history. He emphasised that he would not allow him to be criticised, but, he added, “there is prejudice.”

The Paris, correspondent of the Manchester Guardian says that Mr. Hore-Belisha’s resignation caused feelings little short of consternation in France. The press, from courtesy does not express strong opinions, but indicates that Mr. Hore-Belisha was a victim of the upholders of conservative routing in the army.