MR J. H. THOMAS RESIGNS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22889, 25 May 1936, Page 9

MR J. H. THOMAS RESIGNS

BUDGET LEAKAGE INQUIRY REPORT NOT AWAITED PUBLICITY OF PRIVATE AFFAIRS RESENTED (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (United Press Association) LONDON, May 22. It is officially announced that Mr J. H. Thomas, Secretary for the Colonics in the Baldwin Government, has resigned. Mr J. H. Thomas, in a letter to MiBaldwin dated May 20, said: "I understand that the [Budget Leakage] tribunal to-day finished its public sittings and proceeds immediately to consider the report. However, regardless of what the report may contain, I feel it my duty to resign. You are aware that I offered evidence immediately the tribunal was appointed. My evidence is public property. My private personal transactions have been submitted to the tribunal, and I decided to resign because of the way my name and private affairs were bandied about: This renders continuation as a Minister impossible. My only object in joining the National Government was because I felt the coining together of all parties, regardless of differences, was the only chance the country had of pulling through the crisis. To-day I hold that opinion even more firmly, but feel that I, instead of being a source of strength on the Cabinet, shall merely be a drag on it. T am not in a position to pull full weight. This consistent desire to serve my country, which I hope my past public iife justifies me in saying, has always been my object. A. ought, in fairness'to all the parties in the House of Commons, to emphasise that I feel no resentment at the demand for a full and impartial investigation, in so much as the absolute integrity of the public life of the country is involved. It is well known that I hold no political differences with my colleagues or the Government policy. I am fully conscious of the grave' and difficult problems, changing almost hourly, which have to be faced by Cabinet. In coining to a decision meaning so much to me T can only wish you and my late colleagues God-speed in leading the nation out ot the present difficulty." ACTION COMMENDED BY MR BALDWIN LONDON, May 22. Mr Baldwin replied: "My dear Jim, you acted as I should have done in vour place. I accept your resignation with deep regret, which I know will be shared by my colleagues. The loyal support von have given through five strenuous years to the National Government will always be remembered by those who worked with you." ORDERED A SEA VOYAGE DECISION TO RESIGN NOT DEFINITE LONDON, May 23. (Received May 24, at C. 30 p.m.) The Daily Mail says that the doctors are advising Mr Thomas to take a sea voyage. He is at present staying with friends in Sussex. _ According to the News Chronicle, lie has not yet decided to resign from Parliament. He will consult his leading supporters in Derby before coming to a decision.