Hoare’s Resignation Startles Europe

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 300, 20 December 1935, Page 13

Hoare’s Resignation Startles Europe

Ultimatum From 'Baldwin Foreign Minister Refuses to Compromise .. . United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, Dec. 18. ■' Tiie Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoarc, lias resigned. The announcement was made late in the evening, and created a major political sensation, especially as it forestalled what might Jiave been a critical point in his career—his speech in the Foreign Affairs debate in the House of Commons tomorrow in defence of the peace plan in which he collaborated with M. Laval. The news of Sir Samuel Hoarc’s resignation and Mr. Baldwin’s acceptance of it brought a rush of callers at his home at •>:' Cadogaff Gardens. The footman opened the door only a few s inches and said that Sir Samuel Ho are would not sec anybody fiM would not make any statement. A police officer was subsequently posted at the doorway. - , Although'it was known that Sir Samuel Hoare's position was difficult, his resignation came as a surprise, and was the more startling because it represented the fall of one of the most important members of Cabinet within a month of the Government securing an overwhelming' victory at the polls. His own huge majority at the election provides a situation more dramatic than in any recent years.

Sensation in the House of Commons. The flews created a sensation in the House of Commons, which was-Engaged in a humdrum debate, and flooded lobbies discussed'the implications. Gossipers said that Sir Samuel Hoare intended to make to-morrow’s debate the occasion of a dramatic resignation from the floor of the House, while others said that if the House appeared reluctant to accept his defence he would then resign before the division.

It is believed that Sir Samuel Hoare’s intention was brought to a climax by Mr. Anthony Eden’s speech at Geneva. It is understood that he still, intends to speak in the House of Commons to-morrow blit will make his statement from the back benches.

The resignation is regarded as smoothing the path of the Government in the debate, which is now likely to culminate with a substantial majority for a last-minute amendment by Lord Winterton to the Labour motion of censure, as follows:

This House, holding that any terms for settling the Italo* Abyssinian dispute should be such as the League can accept, assures hi 3 Majesty’s Government of its full support in pursuing the foreign policy outlined in the Government manifesto and endorsed by the country at the General Election.

It is understood that the amendment was inspired by the Government and will have its full support.