Labour Charges With Betrayal

Northern Advocate, 27 April 1939, Page 7

Labour Charges With Betrayal

7 (Received 3.0 p.m.) LONDON, April 26. Mr Chamberlain’s statement in the House of Comment was received with Ministerial cheers and Opposition derision, and shouts of “Peace in our time.’’ Earl Stanhope made a similar statement in the House of Lords. Lord Snell said the Government had no excuse for breaking its promise that there would be no conscription in peace time. Labour felt betrayed. National unity would be suspended, if not broken. The Labour Party would : regard itself free to take whatever action would seem right. It is officially announced that the Trade Union Council reaffirmed the firm opposition of the union to any form of compulsory military service. Mr Chamberlain told trade unionists that the conscription proposals would allow no exemption except on medical grounds. Conscripts would serve six months’ intensive training. A delegation told Mr Chamberlain that it was opposed to conscription in peace time on principle, and urged that it would be impracticable at present. The Scottish Trade Union Congress passed a resolution that conscription will not increase the effective defence of Britain, but will have the contrary effect, and called on the Government to withdraw the proposal.

Press Opinion Divided. Press opinions are divided. . The “Daily. Herald” (Labour) .and the “News Chronicle” (Liberal) bitterly attack. Mr Chamberlain on, having broken his pledge. , “The Times” says the Prime Minister’s pledge to Parliament is competent to release him. The “Daily Telegraph” and the “Daily Mail” welcome the proposals, though the former is of opinion that they do not go far enough. Tire latter welcomes the establishment of the principle. “The Times” says that already from most capitals outside the Axis expressions of deepest satisfaction have been received in London. France feels it is fortified by a measure for which it has long hoped. Rome is deeply impressed. German newspapers put on the air of lofty indifference, but there is no doubt the measure will come as a surprise to German leaders.