BRITISH POLITICS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 241, 18 October 1935, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICS

“EXPLOITING THE NATION” A PROTEST BY LIBERALS By Telegraph—Copyright —Press Assn. LONDON, October 17. The National Liberal Federation has issued a manifesto protesting against Sir John Simon’s claim that a majority of the Liberals support the Government. Onl the contrary, Liberals oppose exploitation of the nation’s enthusiasm for the League for party advantage. Rearmament will doubtless be necessary if the League collapses, when the Liberals would accept responsibility; but the triumph of the League would enable disarmament. SNOWDEN’S BITTERNESS ‘ ‘ SPURIOUS PATRIOTISM ’ ’ LONDON, October 16. Lord Snowden, whose broadcasts from an armchair at No. 11 Downing i Street played such a decisive part in • the National Government’s victory in 1931, to-day lashed the same Government in a bittier speech at the National Liberal Club. ' “To force an election in the present distracted state of the public is a mean and partisan act and a spurious appeal to patriotism,” he said. He prophesied that the Tories would lose 200 seats and not poll a majority of votes. Attacking the foreign policy; Lord! Snowden declared: “Instead of deserving credit for the present belated policy, the Government deserves, along With other Powers, severe censure for allowing matters to drift to the present tragic conclusion..’’ He paid a tribute to the courage and capacity of Mr Anthony Eden, who was hampered by lack of support from his colleagues, especially when dealing with the reluctant French Premier. Attacking the campaign for increased armaments as incompatible with League policy, he said: “Britain is by no means ill-equipped, and the development of collective responsibility should make reduced armamenta easier.”