LIBERAL DISSENSIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19801, 28 May 1926, Page 9

LIBERAL DISSENSIONS

EARL OF OXFORD’S LETTER LEADERSHIP IN COMMONS. MR LLOYD GEORGE DEMANDS PARTY VERDICT. (Pres* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, May 26. (Received May 27, at 9 p.m.) In the course of his spech at Llandudno Mr Lloyd George scarcely alluded to the Liberal controversy. He said he was content to leave the silly accusation made by a section of the Tory press, that his action was unpatriotic during the general strike, to his 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 thought to be right. He denied responsibility for the publicity given to the the letters, stating that when he heard that Lord Oxford’s letter had been given out for publication he was reluctantly forged to follow his example. After the speech Mr Lloyd George hurried to London to consult his supporters as he intends to fight the retention of the leadership of the Liberals in the House of Commons. His decision not to refer to Lord Oxford’s letter at Llandudno was a surprise. He manifestly intends to demand the decision of the Liberal Party. It seems that Liberal headquarters issued Liord Oxford’* letter to the press before Mr Lloyd George’s second letter was received. Mr Lloyd George was notified and accordingly he immediately sent his letter to the newspapers. Lord Oxford’s first sight of the reply was in the morning papers.—A. and N.Z. Cable.