LLOYD GEORGE’S POLICY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12458, 28 May 1926, Page 9

LLOYD GEORGE’S POLICY

VIGOROUS REPLY TO CRITICS CONDEMNS HIE GENERAL STRIKE BUT NOT THE STRIKERS By Telegraph.—Tress Assn.—Copyright. Ucutei’s Telegram. LONDON, May 20. Iu his speech at Llandudno, Mr Lloyd Georg© blamed the Govermnenr tor muddling and lark of thought, especially forethought regarding the coal situation lor the past ten months, and also the restoration of the gold standard, by ivhieh the price of exported coal had been reduced. He unreservedly condemned tho general strike, and supported the Government's measures to preserve order and carry on national services. “At tho same time,’’ he sa’d, “I am unable to fork myself to a pitch of righteous anger against the men, who, however mistakenly and wiongly, risked their own livelihood to help their comrades in a Pespcrato plight.” FAVOURS CONCILIATION Mr Lloyd George said that he favoured getting hack to the status quo, and strongly supported the statesmanlike proposal contained in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s appeal. Therefore, he advocated conciliation, and supported Sir Herbert Samuel’s report. He urged the Government to legislate over the heads of the miners and mine owners, and th is shorten the Conflict. SOCIALISM IN PRACTICE (Received May 27, 8.43 p.m.) Characteristic flashes in Mr L'.ovd George’s speech included his description of the “Bri-

tish Gazette’’ as “a first-class indiscretion, clothed in the tawdry garb of third-rate journalism.” He expressed the opinion that it ought to cure the workers of any lingering taste for an experiment in State Socialism. He also disparaged tho Socialistic broadcasting, “when the very currents of the air were nationalised by the Government.” Mr Lloyd George accused the Government of breaking off negotiations with the Trades Union Congress pmclv because there had been one of the weekly troubles with tho printers in a London newspaper office. HIS OWN RECORD He scarcely alluded to. the Liberal controversy, but said- ha■ was content to leave the s'lly accusation made by a section of the Tory Press, that his action was unpatriotio-during the general strike, to liis record during the much greater national, emergency a few years ago, and declared that no abuse had ever yet turned him from a course which he thoughts right. He denied the responsibility for the oublicitv given the letters. When he heard that Lord Oxford’s''letter had lieen given out for publication he was reluctantly forced to follow his example. - ■ ' WILL FIGHT FOR LEADERSHIP Australian and N. 71. Cable -Association. LONDON, May 26. Lloyd George, after his speech at Llandudno, hurried to London to-con-sult his supporters, as he ..intends to fight to retain his leadership of the Liberals in the House of Commons. His decision not to refer to Lord Oxford's letter at Llandudno was a surprise. Manifestly, he intends to demand a decision by the Liberal Pavty. It seems that the Liberal headquarters issued the Oxford letter to .the Press before Mr Lloyd George’s second letter was received. Mr Lloyd George was notified accordingly, and immediately sent his letter to .the newspapers. Lord Oxford’s first sight of the reply was in the morning papers.