BRITISH ELECTIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15866, 12 December 1923, Page 5

BRITISH ELECTIONS

LABOUR'S AMBITION.

NO ARRANGEMENT CONSIDERED.

THE ROAD TO SOCIALISM

A meeting of the British Cabinet has been held, and it is stated that Mr Stanley Baldwin, in view of the assurances given by his late colleagues, and the members of the Party generally, has carry on the business of the country.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable LONDON. December 10

The Telegraph's Labour correspondent says some urge that Labour should postpone the capital levy and coalesce with the Liberals in social reforms, which would employ their joint energies for several years. These quite misunderstand the policy of the Labour Parly. The capilal levy is only a short step along (he road to the cstabUshment of a Socialistic OommonweiiLth, putting collective ownership by the State in place of capitalism and a system of private enterprise, until all production, distribution, and exchange are socialised.

The Daily Herald proposes that a Labour Government should be formed. This, though doubtless rash, would make a strong appeal to a sporting nation ,as Labour is the only party which has an unemployment policy and can challenge other parties to respect its proposals. No bargaining with any other party can be thought of, and no working arrangement can be considered, but if Labour were to take a bold vigorous Line other parties might be frightened into letting it through. Mr J- Whcatley, Lie Labour member for the Shetblcslon Division of 'Glasgow, speaking at a Labour demonstration in Glasgow, claimed that Glas-g-ow was as proud of its red flag as ever. Labour had got Liberalism in Scotland on the run. "We, are told that the King's Govoroment must he carried on, but we fail to see such necessity, as the movement which sent us into public life is not interested in the King's Government, but. sent us to establish and carry on Government by the people.''

LIBERALS AND FRANCE.

DESIRE FOR CO-OPERATION

LONDON, Dec. 10

Interviewed by Le Journal's London correspondent. Viscount Ilaldane declared that Prance would be mistaken if siie supposed that the accession of Liberals or Labourites to power would mean a rupture with France. The Liberals, like the rest of the country, keenly and sincerely desired an understanding with France, and aimed at taking, in concert with France, measures calculated to set Germany on her feet. The keynote of their policy to France would be to avoid anything that might lead to war in which Britain was bound to be involved. There must be an understanding in regard to thn Ruhr pmprramnir\ embodying guarantees to France anil ensuring the establishment of peace. He was of opinion that Britain would be prepared lo conclude a pact with France which would give Britain the means to intervene in the event, of a repetition of the 101 i situation.

AUSTRALIAN COMMENTS.

CONFERENCES' DECISIONS

MELBOURNE, Dec. 11

The Federal Ministers consider the outcome of the British elections will not affect Empire preference or the Economic Conference, believing that whatever Covernment succeeds Mr Baldwin's would honour the decisions. An Altered Outlook.

The Argus, commenting on the British elections, says: "Assuming the Ministry accept? the verdict of the elections as notice to quit, there will be a complete alteration of outlook in regard to foreign affairs and defence. If the Government vacates office the Singapore naval base proposal will also go into the melting pot. It is greatly to lie deplored that such a drastic alteration should occur at such a moment and grave danger he risked, if the verdict means anything, it means that in the opinion of the electors the nation's bcsl hope of recovery lies in the restoration of normal trading relations witli the outside world, and Europe in particular." Door Again Slammed. The Age comments: "Although Britain is sensitive about her foreign trade, she has again slammed the door in the face of the Dominions. The election has been a fine means of education. Probably at no time during the past 70 years would il have been possible to return so many tariff reformers on the fiscal issue. The best that can he hoped for is a blundering Conservative-Liberal coalition, outraging the national sense and endangering British status. It does not. seem probable that the Dominions will be given better treatment in the British market for some time to come, but the great policy of Protection will go ahead and will yet brin? a signal British victory. In the meantime the Dominions will naturally look for their own markets abroad, and I hey will be specially careful that regard for foreign trade in the Old Country does not. load to the preference [hoy have already granted being used fop the advantage of transhipped foreign products."

CHANGED VIEW IN FRANCE. ELECTION RESULTS WELCOMED. DISCREET REJOICING. LONDON, December 10. The ''Times' ' Paris correspondent says the French at first were greatly shocked at Ihc result or the British elections in view of the probable changed policy in regard lo the reparations question; it also considered that only the Baldwin Covernment would be able to maintain or strengthen [he Entente. They now see. as the outcome of the elections, the destruction of a formidable tariff menace, ami are beginning to e.on,m..Dilate Ihemselves. since it is argued that if Mr Baldwin won he would have had a powerful weapon which might have been directed against France. Thus with Ihc possibility of a tierce economic battle, there is discreet rejoicing thai a conflict has been avoided. Moreover, greater stress is being laid on Mr Baldwin's opposition to the Ruhr policy. It is alleged that be is of opinion that tin' payment of reparations by (iermany would mean ruinous competition with Britain,

MR BALDWIN'S INTENTIONS

CABINET TH MEET

DON DON. December 11

Everything now awaits the result of a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday, when Mr Baldwin will discuss the desirability or otherwise of resigning the Premiership. There is no doubt that

Mr Ramsay MacDonald Is ready to form a Government if Mr Baldwin's withdrawal makes the King send for the leader of the second strongest party.

There is considerable speculation why the King sent for Mr Baldwin instead of awaiting a formal announcement of the decision of the Cabinet, but it is understood that the King merely desired a first-hand account of Mr Baldwin's views on the situation, and his resignation was not discussed. The political correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" declares that Mr Baldwin has decided to continue in office after the Government is reconstructed and, will meed, the new Parliament. It is expected that arrangements can be made for the Liberal leaders to be consulted beforehand concerning legislation. If so, Mr. Asquith will provide the Ministry with sufficient support to enable the Government to be carried on for a timeNo formal negotiations thus far have been opened. The Daily Express argues that Lord Balfour should return to the leadership of the Conservative Party, and become the new Conservative Prime. Minister. It says that it is known that Mr Asquith will oppose Mr Baldwin, but is willing to support Lord Balfour and keep him in office for 18 months if necessary to give the country a rest. Lord Balfour is said to be ready to take office with Mr Austen Chamberlain as Leader of the House of Commons. The Daily Express adds that at least two Ministers will resign immediately if Mr Baldwin does not resign the leadership. Mr Baldwin's stubbornness is shown by his intention to meet Parliament and to include in the King's Speech a clause setting out his Protectionist policy, in order to invite a challenge. Sir William Bull, Conservative member for Hammersmith, is calling a meeting of Conservatives for the purpose of opposing the suggestion that Mr Baldwin immediately resign and advise the King to send for Mr MacDonald.

Mr Austen Chamberlain, when informed that pressure was being brought, to bear upon Mr Baldwin to defer his resignation, said that it would be a great mistake to prolong the uncertainty and solution erf the crisis to the middle of January. "If we cannot carry out our policy." lie said. "we will, in harmony with the great traditions of our party, not offer vexatious opposition to any moderate Government offering a prospect of stability."

TWO SCOTTISH RETURNS.

LIBERALS RETAIN SEATS

LONDON, December 10

Sir William Sutherland (Liberal) was re-elected for Argyll with a majority of 9 -1 0 over his Conservative opponent, and Sir Murdoch MacDonald .Liberal: was re-elected for Inverness with a majority of 3809 over his Labour opponent.