LIBERAL-LABOUR PACT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18832, 21 March 1931, Page 17 (Supplement)

LIBERAL-LABOUR PACT

Political Circles Interested. NEGOTIATIONS BEHIND SCENES. United Press Association—By Eleotrio Tel egraph—Copyright (Received, March 20, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 19. The “Daily Telegraph's” political correspondent says that there is interest in political circles concerning the negotiations which are proceeding behind the scenes for an agreement between the Socialist’s and Liberals. It is plain that Mr Macdonald and Mr Lloyd George are both convinced that an understanding is possible by which Labour can maintain office for another eighteen months. Mr Macdonald, Mr Thomas, Mr Henderson and Mr Lloyd George are taking part in the conversations. It is understood that Mr Lloyd George specially is concerned in securing an agreement that the Socialists will not attack the Liberals in certain constituencies. IA previous message stated that thirty-five members of the Liberal Party attended a meeting at the House of Commons. After Mr Lloyd George had made a statement on the situation, the meeting decided not to come to a definite conclusion until another meeting to be held on Tuesday. It is understood that in the meantime an effort will be made to secure an arrangement whereby the Liberals will undertake to support the Government for a definite term in carrying out a specified policy which will include unemployment relief schemes. Mr Lloyd George's scheme was not available, but it is understood that a definite pact with Labour is involved. In the meantime Sir Archibald Sinclair’s resignation was not accepted].