MANLY SPEECH

Southland Times, Issue 22770, 21 December 1935, Page 7

MANLY SPEECH

SIR SAMUEL HOARE OPINION SWAYED IN COMMONS MR BALDWIN ASSAILED (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, December 19. The Sun-Herald Service says the spectacle of Sir Samuel Hoare being thrust from one of his Majesty’s highest offices by the overwhelming opinion of the public and his colleagues, and suddenly swinging this opinion back in his favour, was one of the most astonishing happenings Parliament has witnessed. No pronouncement in the House of Commons has ever terminated to a more remarkable ovation, which was a worthy tribute to a statesmanlike and dignified statement. A few of the more extreme Tories are still disinclined to absolve Sir Samuel Hoare, but the overwhelming majority of Government members feel that Sir Samuel has proved his action to be right in fact, though not in method. It is even asserted in the lobbies that Sir Samuel Hoare will surely return to a front bench within six months, when the big reconstruction occurs. Nearly all lobby discussion turned to Sir Samuel Hoare and Mr Baldwin’s magnificent personal tribute—his admission almost, in Sir Samuel’s words, that the situation menaced European peace. Other Government speakers, using similar phrases, built up a case which made erstwhile opponents feel a certain guiltiness in having forced Sir Samuel Hoare from office. A Generous Gesture. There was much comment on Mr Baldwin’s generous gesture in allowing Sir Samuel from a back bench, to deliver the speech he intended until last night to make as Foreign Secretary; in other words, allowing Sir Samuel Hoare, in so unsealing his lips, to rob Mr Baldwin of his own most powerful ammunition. The move had its advantages, because the lobbies were of the opinion afterwards that if such words as Sir Samuel’s regarding “Britain’s preparedness in the Mediterranean and readiness to retaliate if Italy attacked Britain” had been uttered from a despatch box they would have almost amounted to a declaration of war. Actually members were surprised when they realized the gravity of the situation; they fully appreciated the stark facts of the situation in the Mediterranean only when Sir Samuel Hoare, in quiet deliberation and great sincerity, revealed that nobody excepting Britain had moved ship, man or machine to the Mediterranean. Welcome Candour. The Times says the Government in part disarmed hostility firstly by withdrawing without delay from an overhasty decision extracted from it by the course of events, and secondly, by the unusual and wholly welcome candour with which it accounted for the decision. It has acknowledged freely the part public opinion played in restoring the shattered substance of British policy- , , . ... The Daily Telegraph, in a leading article, says Sir Samuel Hoare’s personal apology became him well, but his restrained and manly speech did not alter the general belief that his judgment was at fault. The Manchester Guardian says Sir Samuel Hoare had a personal success, but Mr Baldwin failed. Sir Samuel stated his case in a most dignified and lucid manner, but did not shake the conviction of Government supporters that he had blundered. Nevertheless, it was the best speech he has ever made; many declare tnat he made himself the' future leader of the Tory Party. Mr Baldwin, on the contrary, was woefully disappointing. Everybody wondered why he, too, should not resign. At best he has shown himself a potterer, and the opinion is strongly expressed that his days as a leader are numbered. Severe Blow to Sanctions. According to the Daily Mail there is a possibility that Sir Samuel Hoare will be invited to rejoin the Government in the New Year. He achieved a personal triumph and dealt a severe blow to the sanctions system. He has been ordered to take three months’ rest and will leave London shortly, possibly for Switzerland. In the Morning Post’s summing up it says that Sir Samuel Hoare may have failed to make good his case, but it was everywhere conceded that he had focussed attention on the defects and perils of the sanctions system, which must now be squarely faced. The new Foreign Secretary is expected to be announced to-night. Sir Austen Chamberlain is still first favourite.

GERMAN COMMENT PUBLIC OPINION TRIUMPHS. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, December 19. Penetrating comment on Sir Samuel Hoare’s resignation comes from Germany where a leading Hamburg newspaper states: “We witness a drama of public opinion in Britain being strongerthan a strong man.” ANGRY AND PUZZLED ITALIAN CROWDS. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Rome, December 19. Well-informed circles state that Italy will not drop the Hoare-Laval proposals merely because Sir Samuel Hoare has resigned. Italy feels that there is no prospect of an oil embargo. The promotion of Mr Eden is feared, as he is a bitter enemy of Italy. Crowds outside the Government buildings are awaiting news, and appear angry and puzzled. PARIS~OPINION MORE SANCTIONS EXPECTED. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Paris, December 19. “Pertinax,” in the Echo de Paris, considers that the importance of Signor Mussolini’s provocative speech at Pontinia as a factor in the present crisis cannot be over-rated. The general opinion in Paris is that Sir Samuel Hoare’s resignation means a return to the British policy of sanctions and more sanctions, especially if M. Laval is replaced by M. Herriot, who is strongly pro-British, pro-League and anti-Italian.