RESIGNATION DEMANDED

Southland Times, Issue 22730, 5 November 1935, Page 7

RESIGNATION DEMANDED

NO' REPLY FROM MR HUGHES. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.20 p.m.) Melbourne, Nov. 4. Mr W. M. Hughes, Minister of Health and Repatriation, has not so far replied to the Prime Minister’s demand for his resignation. He also declines to be interviewed. STILL NO REPLY. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec.l.s a.m.) Melbourne, November 4. The Prime Minister, Mr Lyons, who is occupying rooms a few doors frpm where Mr Hughes is staying in East Melbourne, stated to-night that he had received no reply from Mr Hughes on his resignation, and if none was forthcoming prior to his departure for Canberra to-morrow night Mr Lyons would make a statement on the position.

A sensation in the Federal political circles was caused by the announcement that the Prime Minister, Mr Lyons, had sent a telegram to Mr Hughes, asking for his resignation from the Ministry owing to his attitude towards sanctions contained in his book just published, entitled, “Australia and The War To-day.” Ministers took the view that his sentiments were entirely at variance with those of the Government. One passage of the book declares that economic sanctions will provoke Italy’s resistance which means war, and only France and Russia will support Britain in that event. Mi’ Lyons directing attention to other references in the book refers to page 95, where it said: ’’Economic sanctions are therefore either an empty gesture or war.” This, Mr Lyons asserted, was diametrically opposed to the Government’s policy. “In these circumstances,” adds Mr Lyons’s telegram, “your position in Cabinet appears untenable. I therefore regretfully require your resignation since I cannot have a divided front on this vital matter."