General Election Unlikely

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 45, 23 February 1938, Page 5

General Election Unlikely

FEELING IS SETTLING DOWN LONDON, Feb. 21. It is authoritatively stated that thei is no question of further resignation' from Cabinet. The Prime Minister, Mr Neville Chamberlain, before lunching with their Majesties at Buckingham Palace, had a long talk with the King, when he detailed the events leading up to Mr Eden’s resignation. The possibility of a general election is discounted in Government circles. The Associated Press says that there is every indication, as an outcome of to-day’s happenings, that a general election is less imminent than was thought possible last night. Moreover, with the avoidance of further resignations, the split within the Government is less likely in the immediate future. Feelings in the House of Commons lobbies simmered down considerably as the debate progressed. However, uncertainty exists regarding the Simonite Liberals, who idealistically support Mr. Eden’s viewpoint and may be inclined to cause a breach. Thousands of telegrams have reached the House of Commons from constituencies expressing sympathy with Mr. Eden, whose own telegrams exceeded 2,000. One of Mr. Chamberlains chief difficulties will be in the finding of Mr. Eden’s successor, because the response throughout the House of Commons to Mr. Attlee’s assertion that the House of Commons would never tolerate a Foreign Secretary sitting in the House of Lords suggests that the new Foreign Secretary must be a member of the House of Commons. Speculation to-night centred round Sir Thomas Inskip, Mr. W. S. Morrison and even Mr. Malcolm MacDonald. A largely-attended meeting of Conservative members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons tonight, presided over by Lord Phillimore, expressed unqualified support for Mr. Chamberlain. SETTLEMENT IN SPAIN CONDITION OF AGREEMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Feb. 21. The Italian Ambassador, Count Grandi, on the invitation of Mr. Chamberlain, visited No. 10 Downing Street this morning. Mr. Chamberlain was accompanied by Viscount Halifax and by Sir Alexander Caaogan. Amplifying his statement in the House of Commons regarding the AngloItalian negotiations, Mr. Chamberlain announced that the British Ambassador to Rome would be instructed to come to London for the fullest instructions so that the international conversations could be opened with the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciauo, at once. He added that he had impressed certain points on Count Grandi, the first of which was that the British Government regarded the settlement of the Spanish question as essential to any agreement. VICTORY FOR MUSSOLINI CHAMBERLAIN AN EASY NEGOTIATOR LONDON, Feb. 21. The Times’ Berlin correspondent says: ‘‘Every German is certain that Mr. Eden’s resignation was a direct result of Herr Hitler’s attacx. ” The Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent says that Mr. Eden's resignation is regarded as a victory for Signor Mussolini, because the Non-Intervention Committee will thrash out the removal of volunteers from Spain, while the English and Italian conversations for settlement of wider questions can proceed. Moreover, it is thought that Mr. Chamberlain will be an easy negotiator.