SIR S. CRIPPS’ EXIT
NOT DONE WITH New Party Hinted [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, November 23. General surprise has been caused bv Sir Stafford Cripps’ sudden apparent “stepping down.” This is reflected in rather tentative comment by national newspapers. Few Ministers in recent times entered the War Cabinet with more general approval ot th P public than Sir S. Cripps last February. His work at Moscow and India caught the public imagination. It was felt that his energetic mind would be very valuable to the national war effort. He apparently was unacceptable to the House of Commons, which certainly found distasteful his rebuke when Members poured out to lunch during and after Mr Churchill’s review after returning from Moscow and the Middle East. Many complained to Mr Churchill. - Sir S. Cripps is a man of forthright ideas and direct speech, but his position in the .Commons was unusual. He was not a member of any Party, being; expelled from the Labour Party before the war, and while Labour Members had given him lukewarm support as Leader of the House of Commons, his forthrightness is reported to have antagonised the Tories. H e recently made many speeches outside the House, commenting on Church reform and post-war reconstruction. This, it is observed, embarrassed members of the Commons, but whatever may be the feelings of the Commons itself, there is growing public scepticism of the Commons ability as a whole. One of the chief criticisms in it is an “old tired” House, which was elected in 1935, and does not represent present public opinion, for which reason it was hoped Sir S. Cripps might help to revitalise the House, or make the most of his forceful personality. It has been stated that Sir S. Cripps has not seen eye to eye with Members of the Cabinet on post-war reconstruction. It is also a fact that the Government has been frequently criticised recently for not producing a post-war policy. Despite Sir S. Cripps’ present “stepping down”, he remains an important political figure.
The “Daily Mail’s” political correspondent interestingly observes: “Outside the House, Sir Stafford spent much time contacting with every type of politicians, as though casting round for support. There are rumours of his intention to form his own party. It is> significant that he is not sought to rejoin the Labour Party.” He adds: “More will be heard of Cripps. Undoubtedly he is intent on making- a big political impression on the life of this country?”
This is interesting in view of the “Economist’s” recent comment that neither the Labour nor Conservative parties evokes the slightest enthusiasm in the ranks of the people. There is a .possibility that Sir .S. Cripps' mayl have a greater following outside the House than in. OTHER CABINET CHANGES. I Special to N.Z. Press Assn.] LONDON, November 23. Mr Morrison’s elevation to the War Cabinet is generally approved. He has certainly enhanced his political stature by recent speeches, but as ‘"The Times” points out, the War Cabinet recruits another Minister already heavily charged with departmental responsibilities. The “Manchester Guardian” finds it “surprising’’ that Col. Stanley should replace Lord Cranborne and adds: It is a pity the Colonial Secretaryship should be so frequently changed, Lord Lloyd, Mr MacDonald Lord Moyne, Lord Cranborne _ and now Col. Stanley, all appointed within two to three years. Th? “Guardian” asks: How can we get a wise generous consistent policy with constant chopping and changes ? Some guess that Lord Cranborne may be the next Viceroy of India, and that his release is, in preparation for
this appointment. It is observed that Mr Eden lacks Mr Ohurhhill’s massive personality, but hi enjoys the House’s confidence. He adds new duties to his many preoccupations as Foreign Secretary. Mr Eden has a wide popularity with the genera; punlie, but some consider he has dene little outstanding since he resigned from the Chamberlain Government. Nevertheless, he is now strongly entrenched in the “political hierarchy ”
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Bibliographic details
Grey River Argus, 25 November 1942, Page 2
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657SIR S. CRIPPS’ EXIT Grey River Argus, 25 November 1942, Page 2
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