PRESS COMMENT

Southland Times, Issue 25307, 10 June 1935, Page 7

PRESS COMMENT

THE NEW CABINET . \ NATIONAL PRINCIPLE MAINTAINED SOME CRITICISM (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) London, June 8. The Daily Telegraph says Mr Baldwin is the embodiment of the spirit of national union, but his Cabinet will not escape criticism. The infusion of new blood is comparatively small. Many had hoped Mr Eden’s success would have secured his reversion to the Foreign Office. The News-Chronicle sees little difference between the new and the old Governments except that Conservative domination is slightly more definitely acknowledged. The Daily Herald describes the change as merely politics, and says the Tories having tasted blood will want the remaining offices The Times says Mr Baldwin’s new Government maintains the national principle to the full extent of its predecessor, and it is definitely stronger in detail. “The ending of the farce,” is how Mr George Lansbury, Leader of the Opposition, describes the new Government, adding: “I am glad it is now acknowledged that the country is really ruled by a Tory Government.” The united party now pos=esses the largest Cabinet of recent years. Other junior appointments will be announced after the Whitsuntide recess. The appointment of Ministers without portfolio is a new departure since 1921. Mr Eden will continue to represent Britain on the League of Nations. SPEECH BY MR BALDWIN TRIBUTE TO MR MACDONALD. NEED FOR STABLE GOVERNMENT. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph • Copyright.) (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) London, June’B. In his first speech as Prime Minister Mr Baldwin at a National Government demonstration in Worcestershire paid a glowing tribute to Mr MacDonald’s courage in carrying on despite failing eyesight and insomnia. He added that he and Mr MacDonald have merely exchanged places and collaboration would continue. After referring to conditions in other great countries Mr Baldwin said that Britain enjoyed a stability that must be jealously guarded. Referring to the Italo-Abyssinian dispute, he said it was causing anxiety to the remainder of Europe. “We are suddenly confronted with those difficulties, possibly dangers, rendering more imperative the stability and strength of other governments,” said Mr Baldwin. “We cannot elect the governments of other countries, but we can elect our own. It should be sufficiently strong to show the world that the mass of Britons is behind the Government. It is to strengthen the power of dealing with these events that I made certain changes at the Foreign Office, strengthening the Ministerial personnel and rendering collaboration with the League and Geneva easier than hitherto.” Mr Baldwin concluded: “I hope it is not insular pride, but I feel that Britain more than any country is the guardian and trustee for democracy. We must push forward with maintaining the security of our own people while fighting for a limitation of armaments, bringing Europe either piecemeal or wholly into collective security. Those are the ends I desire, and in that spirit I accepted from his Majesty _ the weightiest burden that can be laid on the shoulders of an Englishman.”