CABINET POST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23395, 11 July 1939, Page 9

CABINET POST

.WINSTON CHURCHILL ADVOCACY IN BRITAIN MR. CHAMBERLAIN HESITANT NATIONAL INTEREST URGED LONDON, July 5 The campaign for the inclusion of Mr. Winston Churchill in the Cabinet has become more lively now that it has been taken up by his political opponents. The News Chronicle, Independent Liberal organ, savs that the question whether Air. Churchill shall be invited to the Cabinet has come right to the forefront, and that public and Parliamentary opinion is increasingly in favour of his inclusion. Air. Chamberlain is, so far, undecided, but a decision is almost certain shortly. His own supporters may force his hand, in spite of his strong prejudice against Mr. Churchill. Others, however, suggest that Mr. Churchill should be kept in reserve for a graver emergency. Mr. Eden Also Mentioned

It is understood that Mr. Churchill would only enter the Cabinet on certain conditions, including strict adherence to Lord Halifax's anti-aggression speech of last Thursday.

Mr. Eden would also be restored to the Cabinet if Air. Churchill entered it. They would probably take the places of Earl Stanhope, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Lord Runciman. The lobbies, generally, are agreed that it is immaterial what portfolio Air. Churchill would take, as his presence would be a further guarantee that Britain means to fulfil her European pledges, and would strengthen the fibre of the front bench.

The Daily Telegraph, in advocating the inclusion of Air. Churchill in the Cabinet, states: "His masterful personality antagonises some, hut masterful personalities are what the situation demands. He might not be welcomed by all members of the Cabinet, but private feelings cannot be allowed to weigh against national interests, and there is no reason to suppose that Air. Chamberlain would regard Air. Churchill's pre-eminent qualities, and the advantage of enlisting them, as being outweighed by any disadvantages that might be urged. Seen as Urgent Need

"It is impossible to ignore the welling up of feeling, not only among the rank and file of the Conservative Party, but also among some of its distinguished members, that Air. Churchill's inclusion in the Government is an urgent need. In meeting such a view, Air. Chamberlain would fulfil the hopes and expectations of a great body of public opinion."

The Manchester Guardian, opposes any weakening of the Opposition by the inclusion of members of the Opposition in the Cabinet, but it advocates a Committee of Foreign Policy, including "men like Sir Archibald Sinclair (leader of the Opposition Liberals), Mr. Attlee (Labour leader), and Mr. Herbert Morrison (Labour)."