HON. J. H. THOMAS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 23 May 1936, Page 7

HON. J. H. THOMAS

RESIGNATION ANNOUNCED BUDGET LEAKAGE INQUIRY United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 23rd May, 1.30 p.m.) It is officially announced that the Hon. J. H. Thomas, Secretary of State for the Colonies, has re* signed.

LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER CONTINUATION IMPOSSIBLE (Received 23rd Mav, 11.5 a.m.j LONDON, 22nd May. Hie lion. ,T. M. Thomas, in a letter to ihe IU. lion. Mr Stanley Baldwin dated 20th May, said: "1 understand the tribunal to-day finished its public sittings and proceeds immediately to consider the report. However, regardless of what the report may contain, 1 feel it my duty to resign. Yon are aware I offered evidence immediately the tribunal was appointed. My_ evidence is public property. My private and personal transactions have been submitted to the tribunal. I decided to resign because the way my name in private affairs has been bandied about renders my continuation as a

minister impossible. My only object in joining the National Government was because I felt the coming; together of ail parties regardess of differences was the only chance of the country pulling through the crisis, 10-day I hold that opinion even more ,firmly, but feel myself, instead of being a source of strength to the Cabinet; that,!' shall...merely be a drag on it. I am not in'a position to puli" my full weight', and this B inconsistent'with my desire to serve my country, which I hope my past public life justifies me in saying lias always been my object. I ought; in fairness to ail parties in the Commons to emphasise that 1 feel no resentment at the demand for a full and impartial investigation, insomuch as the absolute integrity of public life of the country is involved. ■lt is well known that I have no political differences with my colleagues, or the Government policy. lam fully conscious of the grave and difficult problems, changing almost hourly, which have to be faced by” Cabinet. In coming t 6 this decision, meaning so much to me, I can only wish you, my late colleagues, God-speed in leading the nation out of the present difficulty.” _ Mr Baldwin replied: “My dear Jim. — You acted as I should have done if I were in your place. I accept your resignation with deep regret, which I know will be shared by iny colleagues. The loyal support you have given through five strenuous years to the National Government will always be remembered by those who worked witli you.” LONDON, -81st May.

. The “Daily Mail’s” political correspondent understands-that the Rt. lion. J. PI. Thomas, Minister for Colonies,-is contemplating resigning. He is beginning to. feel the strain of nine successive years as a minister and doctors advise him to take - a long rest. Tils friends say that freedom from the cares of office would give him an . opportunity to deal in a more personal manner with some of the matters which arose during tho Budget Tribunal hearing.