IS INFLUENCE OF SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS WANING?

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 November 1949, Page 5

IS INFLUENCE OF SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS WANING?

Signs Of Less Self-Confidence At His Paris Meetings

LONDON, Nov. 4 (Bee. 6 pm).—Sir Stafford Cripps, of whom there had been considerable comment, in Britain since devaluation, has also been a subject for* comment in Paris during discussions by the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation.

Mr. Paul Hoffman, American representative, declared to reporters: “Sir Stafford Cripps is a nice guy, but I don’t follow the working of his mind.”

The “Daily Telegraph” reports that Sir Stafford Cripps has been noticeably less self-confident than at previous meetings of European Finance Ministers. “This time,” it Is stated in Peterborough's column “he -has meticu lously referred back to London for approval of his course of action, and even of the form of words he should use. His lately acquired modesty also

shows itself in his relations with Mr. Ernest Bevin (Foreign Secretary) who also is in Paris. It has been noticed that the Foreign Secretary has frequently suggested a change of wording. Sir Stafford seems to have been glad to comply. The contrast with other meetings of O.E.E.C. is surprising. Then the Chancellor felt himself competent to do almost anything on his own responsibility. ' “Sir Stafford's new attitude,” it is added, is being taken as another sign of a waning of his influence in the Cabinet.”—Special N.Z.P.A. Correspondent.