MR EDEN EXPLAINS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 77, 28 February 1938, Page 2

MR EDEN EXPLAINS

OWN DECISION RIGHT. ADDRESS TO CONSTITUENTS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received February 26, 1.45 p.rn. LONDON, Eeb. 25. “I stand firm by every word I said in the House or Commons, and I would be despising myself tonight had 1 taken any other course,” said Mr It- A. Eden (exForeign Secretary), addressing his constituents at Leamington upon the reasons for his resignation. “I can say with absolute sincerity that I am more than ever convinced that my decision was right. Had I not resigned, I would have had to tell the House of Commons that I agreed with the method of dealing with the problem of Anglo-Italian relations. “Unhappily I believe exactly the opposite,” Mr Eden added. I 1) addition I would have had to conduct the negotiations the outcome of which may have the greatest consequences for Britain’s position in the world. I should have thus become a hypo“Mr Chamberlain has strong views, not only on the ultimate aims or foreign policy, hut on their conduct and method. He is fully entitled to them, but I also have views, which are not the same. LOYALTY TO PREMIER. “I have done my utmost to bridge the difference, aria worked with ruu lovalty to Mr Chamberlain. Las week-end I realised this difference was great and real, and on possible course was to resign.’ Mr Eden added: “No man can conduct foreign affairs to the best advantage by another’s methods, i am unshakenly convinced that I took the course in the national interest. All i maintained was that progress should first be made with the fulfilment ot engagements contracted before negotiating other agreements covering the same issues. It we must not be obsessed by the past )ve should not entirely ignore it. DESIRE FOR AGREEMENT. “The course the Government • has chosen indicates its sincerity and desire to reach an agreement, but it does not necessarily indicate wise judgment in international affairs. 1 cannot help feeling it was possible to stand firm and obtain the same results without the risks attendant on the present course. “I sincerely wish the Government success in its chosen course. I- am content to wait and accept the verdict of history.” Turning to the future, Mr Eden reaffirmed his faith in the National Government and delared it was time- to be firm and vigilant in foreign affairs. It was well to seek to dispel the old animosities, but not at trie expense of the old friendships. Mr Eden spiritedly refuted the suggestion that he had resigned because of the strain of office. GREAT INTEREST. There were extraordinary scenes at Leamington, where it was obvious that Mr Eden was speaking to the world. Journalists were present representing the United States, Italy. Germany and other European countries. ■ - Crowds greeted Mr Eden at the station and followed cheering him to the hall in which the accommodation was overtaxed.

Leaflets were distributed demanding Mr Eden’s recall and the re-establish-ment of a foreign policy based on the League of Nations. Mr Eden was cheered lengthily when he appeared on the platform, and liis speech was frequently applauded. The News Chronicle says: “Four thousand to 5000 Eden protest meetings are being held next week throughout the country demanding that the Government submit its reversal of policy to the nation at the general election.”