PERSEVERING WILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 12

PERSEVERING WILL

MR NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN PRIME MINISTER'S TRIBUTE RESIGNATION REGRETTED LONDON, Oct. 3. Mr Chamberlain sent a letter to Mr Churchill, in the course of which he regretted that his health since his operation prevented his increasing his capacity for work, which, together with the unusual stress of war-time conditions, combined to cause him to progress backward instead of forward, and a considerable time must elapse before he could hope to be able to perform the duties which were essential for a member of the War Cabinet. Therefore he felt bound in the national interest to ask Mr Churchill to release him from his present responsibilities and submit his resignation to the King. Mr Chamberlain added an expression of warm appreciation of the kindness and consideration which Mr Churchill had consistently shown since the formation of his Government and his unshaken confidence under Mr Churchill's leadership that, "this country and her allies and associates will succeed in overcoming the forces of barbarism which have reduced a great part of Europe to a condition little better than slavery." (Signed) "Yours ever, Neville Chamberlain." Mr Churchill replied: " I have for some time feared that you would be forced to relinquish the struggle. I and all your colleagues have admired your unshaken nerve and persevering will. The help you have given since you ceased to be my chief has tided us through what may well prove the turning point of the war. You did all you could for victory. If you now tell me you must fall out of line I cannot resist your claim. The loss of your services makes it necessary to re-form our ranks and fill the gap as best we can. I shall look back on this stern year of comradeship with feelings of deepest respect and regard for you. I trust that having put down your .pack you will find vour health and strength restored, and that we shall rejoice together in the better days to come. Mr Chamberlain has resigned the leadership of the Conservative Party, which, it is generally predicted, will elect Mr Churchill. Mr Chamberlain has been in bed m the country for several days. His doctors advised him that he must drop The Ministry of Works and Buildings is a new creation. Captain Lyttelton becomes Minister, though he is not a member of the House of Commons.