BRITISH POLITICS

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6319, 23 February 1922, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

CHAMBERLAIN’S VIEWS., J

ANGLING FOR UNIONIST VOTES. “NEW ROI.ICIL" FOR NEW SITUATIONS.” (United Press Association—(Received February 22. 7.23 p.m.) LONDON. February 21. Mr. Chamberlain, aci dress ins- a meeting of the Central Connell cf Nat oral Unionists called to discuss the Gcusorvative party's future pulley, particularly its relations towards Coalition, said that at the next election there would be a distinct understanding between the Unionists and Mr. Lloyd George’s foil owe;who are agieid with them on i all great; principles affecting the Empire. The war had swept uwav

party clistiiK.ti--.-ns, and many issues wlsich divided them sharply before the war, had been settled or • attained a larger mca.sutc -M agreement than had been possible before the war. To-dav the majority of the increased electorates remained unattached to any party traditions. Any party going to the country without recognition thereof would receive a sharp awakening. He realised that many suspected he was

weakening in bis faith and abandoning his old principles. He admitted he was adopting new policies to suit 'he new situations. In the altered world they must maintain nanoda! and imperial strength which was the heart and kernel of the Unionist creed, but they must he prepared to fight for economy and the suspension of many things desirable in better times, possibly to fighl therefore as long and as tenaciously as they fought the German:-. i O J ’ " s

Continuing Mr Chamberlain said it was unlikely that he and Mr loyd George would issue a joint election address. It was more probable they would follow the example of Mr'Balfour and his (the speaker’s) father and issue separate addresses, but with a prior mutual understanding as to what was wanted and what methods it was proposed to follow. It would not he of advantage to them to quarrel with the Coalition Liberals'. If they destroyed the latter’s chances in some places they would destroy their own in many constituencies which they could not bold or keep without Coalition Liberals help. .In view of the present economic, financial and social difficulties they must resolve, primarily, on unity within their own ranks, and secondly, on co-operation with all standing for the same financial principles.—A. and N.Z.C.A.