“My Decision Was Right"

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 49, 28 February 1938, Page 7

“My Decision Was Right"

Mr. Eden Justifies His Resignation BISKS THAT ATTEND PRESENT COURSE Umltod Ptm* Auoclatlon—By Declrle Telegraph-—Copyright. LONDON, Feb. 25. t “I stand firm by every word I sl.In the House of Commons, end I woulc be derpising myself to-night had I taken any other course,” said Mr Anthony Eden in addressing his constituents at Icamington upon the reasons for his resignation as Foreign Secretary. “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. “In addition,” he said, ‘‘l would have had to conduct negotiations the outcome of which may have the gravest consequences for Britain’s position in the world. I should thus have become a hypocrite. ‘‘Mr Chamberlain has strong views aot only on the ultimate aims of foreign policy but on its conduct and method,” Mr Eden added. ‘‘He is fully entitled to them; but I also have views, which are not the same. I have done my utmost to bridge the difference and have worked with full loyalty to Mr Chamberlain.” ‘‘Last week-end I realised that this difference was great and real and that die only possible course was to resign. No man can conduct foreign affairs to die Best advantage by another’s methods. **l 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' of engagements already contracted before negotiatmg other agreements covering the same issue. "If we mast not be obsessed by the past,” Mr Eden declared, “we should not entirely ignore it. The coarse the Government has chosen Indicates the sincerity of its desire to reach an agreement, bnt it does not necessarily indicate wise Judgment in international affairs. **l cannot help feeling that It wa» possible to stand firm and to obtain UTe same results without the risks attendant on the present course “I sincerely wish the Government •uccess 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. He declared that it was a time to be firm and vigilant in foreign affairs. It was well to seek to dispel old animosities, but not at the expense of old friendships. - Mr. Eden spiritedly refuted the suggestion that he resigned because of the strain of office. There were extraordinary scenes at Leamington, at which, it was obvious, Mr Eden was speaking to the world. Journalists were present representing the United States, Italy, Germany and otl.er European countries. Crowds greeted Mr Eden at the station and followed him, cheering, to the hall, where the accommodation was overtaxed. Leaflets were distributed demanding Mr Eden’s recall and the reestablishment of a foreign policy based on the League of Nations. Mr Eden was cheered for a long time on appearing on the platform. His speech was. frequently applauded.

VISCOUNT HALIFAX FOREIGN SECRETARY INDICATIONS OF FUTURE RESHUFFLE - . LONDON. - Feb. 25. It is officially announced that Viscount Halifax lias been appointed Foreign Secretary, and Mr R. A. Butler, Under-Secretary. Mr A. T. LennoxBoyd will succeed Mr Butler as Undersecretary for Labour. The Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain will be responsible for all major aspects of foreignaffairs debates and for questions in the House of Commons. A Berlin message reports that a political spokesman says: “Germany greets Lord Halifax without prejudice, he having heard her view from the person * best authorised to express them. The appointment may pave the way to an Anglo-German understanding.” The Australian Associated Press says: ‘’The announcement that Lord Halifax will retain the Lord Presidentship of the Council is regarded as confirmation of the belief that Mr. Chamberlain contemplates a reconstruction of Cabinet. It is known that Lord Halifax informed Mr. Chamberlain that he did not desire to couple the two portfolios, w “Lord Halifax does not want to remain Foreign Secretary indefinitely,” the agency adds, “but is prepared to carry on during the negotiations between England and Italy and England and Germany. “Lord Halifax is essentially a moderate Conservative and a kindly country gentlemen. He is one of the most influential members of the Government behind the scenes. His colleagues regard him as indispensable. He believes that war must be a voiced at all costs and that Britain must reach an agreement with the dictators. “Mr. Butler’s appointment is likely to be popular. He is one of the few coming young men and is an excellent linguist. “Mr, Lennox-Boyd is an active young Conservative. His appointment will certainly arouse the Opposition’s fury, because he has frequently made proGerman speeches in the House of Commons. “Mr. Chamberlain’s refusal to meet Mr. Attlee's request that the Foreign Secretary should be in the House of Commons will anger the Opposition, but Mr. Chamberlain has compromised by assuming the responsibility for all major aspects of foreign affairs in the House of Commons, so reducing Mr. Sutler’s responsibilities mostly to departmental duties.” LABOUR OPINION OF MUSSOLINI Received Sunday, 6.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 27. The leader of the Opposition, Mr. C. R. Attlee, addressing the Oxford Univer-

sity Labour Club, described Signor Musolini’s position as that of a bankrupt dictator spreading troops over a wide area, whose economic position was rotten, whose credit had vanished and who is unable to bargain, so that even after six years- of national government England should be able to come to an arrangement with him. Mr. Attlee said that the appointment as Mr. Eden’s successor of one safely stowed in the House of Lords was the measure of Cabinet’s belief in popular representation. Labour would challenge that. The country, he added, possessed forces strong enough to drive Mr. Neville Chamberlain from office.