ATTACK ON MR. BALDWIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20598, 24 June 1930, Page 8

ATTACK ON MR. BALDWIN.

The position of Mr. Baldwin as head of a Conservative Party is about to be challenged by supporters of the Empire Free Trade movement, according to a London message. There have been many stories of his pending deposition before, but none of them has proved correct. In this instance there is no improbability about the attack, the uncertain factor is how it is likely to fare. It is quite likely the Empire Free Trade enthusiasts arc not satisfied that Mr. Baldwin is sufficiently zealous in the cause they have at heart. Doubtless, too, they have drawn great confidence from the fact that at the West Fulham by-election, held early last month, a candidate carrying their banner inflicted on the Labour Party the fifst defeat it had suffered sinco the general election. It, is rather more surprising to find Lord Beaverbrook again appearing active in an apparent campaign against the Conservative leadership. He, of course, originated the Empire Free Trade movement. He formed the United Empire Party, and claimed, within a few days, to have secured 200,000 adherents. However, when a Conservative split appeared inevitable, a conference between Mr. Baldwin and Lord Beaverbrook was arranged. Mr. Baldwin refused to include food taxes in his programme. Indeed, he had publicly renewed his vows against them not long before. He accepted the suggestion, originating with Lord Beaverbrook, that if an agreement could be made with the Dominions, which involved such taxes, he would refer the whole question to the country by means of a referendum. Lord Beaverbrook professed himself perfectly satisfied, agreed to work with the Conservatives, and undertook that the subscriptions to his United Empire Party would be returned to the donors. The whole episode was thought then to bo ended. If the new development reported in the cable messages means what is implied, Lord Beaverbrook has gone back on his bargain. In that event there is a renewed threat to Conservative unity as well as one against Mr. Baldwin's leadership.