ANXIOUS DAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24203, 19 February 1942, Page 8

ANXIOUS DAYS

CEITICS OF LEADEE CABINET RECONSTRUCTION DEFENCE MINISTER ADVOCATED (Reed. 7.'25 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 17 Although the shock of the' fall of Singapore is still causing the gravest concern throughout Britain, reports the British official wireless, comment in the press is directed to the problems the country has to face under Mr. Churchill's leadership, and is inclined to discount the more hasty criticisms which were the result of the first reflections on the Far Eastern defeat. The Daily Telegraph says: "A marked change in the general ieeling is already to be discerned. Mr Churchill's challenging broadcast lias had a swift and wide effect. Though he concentrate J on realities, he lifted up hearts with a new inspiration of courage and duty. He closed the ranks. The most careless observation cannot miss the moving of the fresh spirit."

"Judicious Criticism" The Manchester Guardian, saying that the present position has been used by some as a reason for Government reconstruction, adds: "Questions which demand an answer seem mostly to be rather technical and professional, hardly raising the problems of Cabinet reconstruction, whether or not that is desirable on other grounds. It may even be doubted whether there is enough material outside the Government for large-scale reconstruction, but Mr. Churchill should have in mind members of known ability who have been conspicuous for 'judicious criticism' and who would strengthen his hands."

The House of Commons is less sympathetic toward Mr. Churchill today than at any time since he assumed the position of Prime Minister. The general demeanour of the House indicated that the desire for a change in the personnel of the Government was fairly widespread. Get Rid of Incompetents

Some London newspapers warn Mr. Churchill that he cannot carry on single-handed. They ask him to yet rid ot the incompetents hindering the war effort. The Daily Herald says: "We need a Prime Minister with time to think and a War Cabinet with time to think."

The Daily Mirror, saying Mr. Churchill's burden is too heavy, suggests that he should appoint a Defence Minister, while he remains Prime Minister. The best of his colleagues should be relieved ot harassing departmental duties and retained in a small War Cabinet, with the task of surveying the war as a whole. Mr. Churchill's worst or inefficient colleagues should be removed.

Grave Peelings of Unrest The News Chronicle says Mr. Churchill must hand over or at least delegate responsibilities which events have shown are not compatible with the role of a national leader. He must establish a War Council comparable with the War Cabinets of 1917 and 1918, which will share with him the direction of policy as a whole. A private meeting of members of Parliament from the Midlands passed a resolution affirming confidence in Mr. Churchill, but calling for serious attention to the grave feelings of unrest and doubt, and urging such change in the administration as to secure the co-ordination of the defence Services and the reconstruction of the War Cabinet for the purpose of relieving members of departmental responsibility.

SUPPLIES FROM INDIA WAR MATERIALS FOR EAST VALUE OF MARSHAL'S VISIT (Reed. 12.40 a.m.) LONDON. Feb 18 The main objects ot Marshal Chiang Kai-shek's visit to India was officially stated to be as follows:—Firstly, discussion of arrangements wherebv India will become an important supply base lor war materials lor China. Secondly, examination ot new routes from India to China Thirdly, consideration of the joint defence of India, Burma and China. Fourthly, personal appeal to Indian political leaders to join China and her Allies in the struggle against Nazism and against the Japanese. The Daily Mail's Bombay correspondent says India will become an important source of war material and the Imperial Forces in the Middle East are largely relying on Indian factories. If this output could possibly be stepped up it could supply General Auchinleck's and Marshal Chiang Kai-shek's armies with all they require. Asked if it was proposed that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek and Pandet Nehru should meet the Viceroy of India officially, says the British official wireless, the Secretary for India, Mr. L. S. Amerv, stated in the House of Commons that neither the Generalissimo nor Nehru had suggested that the latter should take part in the Generalissimo's official consultation with the Viceroy nor did it appear from the speech Nehru made since meeting the Marshal that he would wish to do so. Mr. Amerv added: "The Marshal's visit to India has been of great military value and has given proof of the solidarity of our common front against the Axis "

Gandhi is expected to arrive in Calcutta to-day for a meeting with Marshal Chiang Kai-shek.

BROADCASTING GROWTH VOTE FOR CORPORATION (Reed 5.35 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. 17 The development of British broadcasting during the war was described in the House of Commons on a vote of £1.3000.000 to the British Broadcasting Corporation in addition to the £5.600.000 already voted. The number of languages used has increased from 10 in 1939 to 41 bv the end of 1911. The hours ot overseas news bulletins have risen from 44 hours weekly to 231 hour- The Corporation now broadcasts 97 overseas news bulletins daily. There i« a ma>s of evidence that, in spite of heavy penaltie- for listening-in and the efforts of the Germans to prevent it. broadcasts are being listened to by increasingly large numbers throughout hurope Programmes are becoming more specialised and directed to particular countries.

NEW BATTLESHIPS NAVY'S REINFORCEMENT Herd 12 JO a.m.) LONDON. Feb. 18 Mr. Churchill's statement in the House of Commons about the Navy's reinforcement is generally interpreted to mean that the Anson and Howe. la»t of the live 35.000-ton King George V. class of battleships, are nearly readj' for the sea war. BRITISH CONCESSIONS LONDON. Feb. 18 At Japan's request the puppet Nanking Government is to take over the British concessions at Tientsin and Canton .