MR. EDEN'S FUTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23037, 14 May 1938, Page 19

MR. EDEN'S FUTURE

Sir,—Mr. C. W. H. Pickering's relation of alleged facts, comprising to some extent his own opinions, does not iu any way prove his former contention, refuted by me, that Mr. Chamberlain's policy is one of always giving way to a brutal aggressor. Mr. Chamberlain's policy may be likened to that an old, experienced and wise policeman dealing with unruly members of the public and by firm, but quiet suasion constraining them to desist and go their ways. Whereas a raw, inexperienced officer, filled with zeal but lacking prudence, might rush in throwing his weight about, thereby causing a quite unnecessary riot. The policy advocated hy his critics resembles that of the poker player who, with insufficient strength in his hand, attempts to bluff his opponent. In the Abyssinian fiasco. Mussolini called the bluff of sanctions with the result that the- prestige of Britain was greatly damaged. Who showed the greater courage. Mr. Eden in resigning because he could not have all his own way, or Mr. Chamberlain iu formulating a policy of peaceful settlement, knowing that he would be subjecting himself to the violent criticism of belligerent pacifists, Communists and other opponents looking for an opportunity to further their political ends? Vcrilv, our critics are hard to please. They roundly condemn the severity of the Versailles Treaty and now that we have a Prime Minister with a policy of conferring and reasoning with potential adversaries, they denounce him with as much justification as the dog baying tho moon. Mr. Pickering has referred more than once in this correspondence to the Christian standpoint. 1 maintain that Mr. Chamberlain's policy of quiet but firm reasoning, backed up as it is by increasing power to act, is more in accordance with Christian ethics and more dignified than if he were to bring himself down to the level of bombastio and fire-eatifag dictators. W.M.