MUTUAL RESPECT

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

MUTUAL RESPECT

LETTERS EXCHANGED RETIRING MINISTER NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN HOLDING TO POLICY LONDON, Jan. 7. Mr. L. Hore-Belisha, whose retirement from the War Office was announced on Friday, stated, in a letter l o the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, dated January 5: “I wish I felt able to accept the important office you were good enough to offer me in your reconstructed Government, but for the reasons I gave you verbally this morning I regretfully cannot see my way to do so. “However, I naturally will give all support in my power to the firmest conduct of the war until it is brought 'o a successful issue. lam glad to think there is no difference in policy between us. “1 recall on the personal side the kindness you have shown me in your relationship during the many years we were together. In my work, particularly at the War Office, I‘ relied on your understanding co-operation 'in the inspiring task of reorganising and preparing the Army for war.” Mr. Chamberlain’s Reply Mr. Chamberlain replied:— “My Dear Leslie, — “It is with the greatest regret I received your decision not to accept the office which I offered you in the course of the reconstruction of the Government which I have in hand. At the same time I fully understand and respect the reasons you gave me.

“I would like now to pay my sincere tribute to your work at the War Office and to the important reforms you have carried out. It is a great satisfaction to me that there is not now' and never has been any difference between us on policy, particularly on the necessity for the prosecution of the war with the utmost determination to a successful issue. “I would like also to thank you for the loyal support you have always given me and for those pleasant personal relations which have characterised our association for so many years.”