COALITION MINISTRY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20244, 11 May 1940, Page 5

COALITION MINISTRY

DRAMATIC BRITISH DECISION CHAMBERLAINS RESIGNATION CHURCHILL BECOMES PRIME MINISTER ALL-PARTY GOVERNMENT TO BE FORMED (Flee. Tel. Copyright.—-United Press Assn.) (Received May 11, 11 a.m.) LONDON, .May 10. The Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, has resigned and Mr. Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister. A dramatic meeting of the Labour Party executive at Bournemouth .this afternoon decided to share the responsibility as a full partner in the new Government under a new Prime Minister. Major C. R. Attlee and Mr. A. Greenwood immediately rushed to London and saw Mr. Chamberlain, who conveyed the decision to the Cabinet, after which lie went to the Palace for an audience with the King. The King received Mr. Churchill in audience for five minutes after the departure of Mr. Chamberlain. An official statement from No. 10 Downing Street states that the new Prime Minister, Mr. Churchill, desires that all Ministers should remain at their posts and discharge their functions with full freedom and responsibility while the necessary arrangements for the formation of a new administration are made. Labour Party Statement. Major Attlee and Mr. Greenwood issued the following statement: “The Labour Party is convinced that a drastic reconstruction of the Government is necessary in order to win the war, but, confronted with the latest series of abominable aggressions by Herr Hitler, reaffirms its determination to do its utmost to achieve victory and calls on members to devote all their energies to this end and stand firm and united through whatever trials and sacrifices lie ahead.” The Liberal Leader, Sir Archibald Sinclair, also called a political truce. “Recent events,” he said, “have proved the necessity for a prompt and radical reconstruction of the Government, but the opening of'the first critical battle in the west is not the moment.” A message from Paris* states that the Prime Minister, M. Reynaud, has also reshuffled his Cabinet, taking in representatives of all parties. M. Marin and M. Ybarnegaray will join the War Cabinet.

POST IN WAR CABINET FORMER LEADER FAITH IN SUCCESSOR •TRIBUTE TO CHURCHILL (Rocd. May 11, noon.) LONDON, May 10. Mr. Neville Chamberlain, broadcasting, said he realised after this week's debate in the House of Commons that it would only be possible to secure unity in the House under a new Prime Minister, whereupon he submitted his resignation to the King. His friend and colleague, Mr. Winston Churchill, had succeeded him and he had no doubt that Mr Churchill would be successful. The Cabinet would be reorganised on a national basis. Mr. Churchill had asked Mr. Chamberlain to remain as a member of the War Cabinet. He was willing to offer his services in any capacity.