ACTION DEFENDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22974, 28 February 1938, Page 11

ACTION DEFENDED

MR EDEN'S SPEECH "DECISION WAS RIGHT" MORE THAN EVER CONVINCED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 27, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 26 "I stand by every word I said in the House of Commons and I would be despising myself to-night had I taken any other course," said Mr. Anthony Eden, former Foreign Secretary, in addressing his constituents at Leamington last night upon the reasons for his resignation. "I definitely formed the opinion at tlie end of Inst week that the meaning of ' certain communications from a foreign Government was 'now or never,' and that those communications, read in the context of'recent were open to no other interpretation than the one I placed on them. "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 I agreed with the method of dealing with the problem of the relations between Britain and Italy. Unhappily, I believe exactly the opposite. Considered the National Interests "In addition I would have had to conduct the negotiations, the outcome of which might have very grave consequences upon Britain's position in the world. I should thus have become a hypocrite. "Mr. Chamberlain lias stroug views, not only concerning the ultimate aims of Britain's foreign policj*, but also upou the method of conducting it. 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 worked in full loyalty with Mr. Chamberlain. "At the end of last week I realised that this difference was great and real and that the only possible course for me was to resign. No man can conduct foreign affairs to the best advantage by another's methods. I am unshakenly convinced that the course I took was in the national interests. Past Should Not be Ignored

"All I maintained was that progress should first be made with the fulfilment of engagements contracted before negotiating other agreements covering the same issues. If we must not be obsessed by the past we should not entirely ignore it. The course the Government has chosen indicates sincerity, and a desire to reach an agreement; it does not necessarily indicate wise judgment in international affairs. "I cannot help feeling that it was possible to have stood firm and to have obtained the same results without the risks attendant on the present course. I sincerely wish the Government success in its chosen course. I am content to wait and accept the verdict of history." Vote of Confidence Passed Turning to the future, Mr. Eden reaffirmed his faith in the National Government, and declared that the present was a time to be firm and vigilant in foreign affairs. It was well to seek to lay aside old animosities, but not at the expense of old friendships. Mr. Eden spiritedly refuted the suggestion that he had resigned because of the strain of office. Those present passed a vote of confidence in Mr; Eden and a resolution giving him an assurance of their support was carried. f DEMAND FOR RECALL LEAFLETS DISTRIBUTED THOUSANDS OF MEETINGS GENERAL ELECTION WANTED LONDON, Feb. 25 Extraordinary scenes were witnessed at Leamington, where it was obvious that Mr. Eden was speaking to the world. Journalists representing the United • States, Italy, Germany and other European countries were present. 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 re-establish-ment of a foreign policy based on the League of Nations. Mr. Eden was cheered for a long time when he appeared on the platform, and his speech was frequently applauded. The News Chronicle says that from 4000 to 5000 "Eden protest" meetings will be held next week in all parts of the country, to demand that the Government submit its reversal of policy to the nation at a general election. LORD CRANBORNE RIGHT COURSE TAKEN (Received February 27, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20 "I am not here to apologise or to [ excuse myself. On the contrary I was never more certain that I was right," declared Lord Cranborne, retiring Foreign Under-Secretary, in an address to the South Dorset Conservative Council. "Mr. Eden made his decision hecause he believed the issue was fundamental, and I am very proud to be associated with him in that belief." ITALY AND LIBYA A REPORT DENIED ROME. Feb. 2ft It was suggested to-day that Italy was temporarily reducing her forces in Libya in the hope of facilitating her conversations with Britain. A later report, however, stated that it was officially denied that the forces in Libya were being reduced.