POLITICAL CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20785, 21 April 1939, Page 7

POLITICAL CRISIS

AUSTRALIAN PREMIER HOUSE IN AN UPROAR ATTACK BY SIR E. PAGE (United Prets Aten.—Elee. Tel. Copyright) CANBERRA, April 20 A first-class Federal political crisis loomed to-day when 8!r Earle Page, interim Prime Minister and leader of the Country Party, speaking in the House of Representatives on the motion for the adjournment, attacked the newly-elected leader of the United Australia Party, Mr R. G. Menzles, who has become Prime Minister. The substance of Sir Earle Page’s attack was, firstly, that Mr Menzles had resigned from the Lyons Government at a time when Australia was spending untold millions in getting ready for war; secondly, that before resigning he had made a speech which had been interpreted as an attaok upon his own leader; and, thirdly, that in 1916 he had resigned from the military forces and did not go overseas for war service. Sir Earle Page emphasised that the change in the leadership of the United Australia Party had wrought a change in the relationship of the two Government parties. Australia, he said, needed a leader in whom the utmost confidence could he placed, and he must have a public record such as would inspire people to the maximum national effort in a time of emergency. Sir Earle Page indicated that with Mr Menzies as leader and possible Prime Minister, it would be quite impossible to continue the Cabinet relations that hitherto had existed between the two Government parties, and that was the advice he intended giving the Governor-General. Offer to Mr Bruce Sir Earle Patse also revealed that he had communicated with Mr Stanley Bruce—now in America on his way back to London—mentioning the possibility of an election. At the same time he had ofTered his own parliamentary seat to Mr Bruce if the latter would return to lead the new composite Government. Mr Bruce had replied that he would only return to lead a non-party Government. During Sir Earle Page’s address the House was in an uproar. Mr Menzies was cheered on rising to reply. Mr Menzies said the door to cooperation had been closed, bolted and barred for reasons not only offensive and personal, but paltry. “I did not resign my commission from the militia," said Mr Menzies. “1 completed my training under the universal system, and then, like many other young men in 1915, 1 had to answer the question: ‘ls it my duty to go to war?’ The answer to that is hardly one for the public platform. It was really an intimate, personal and family affair, and for reasons that were compelling, I was unable to join my two brothers in the infantry." Mr Menzies closed his reply: “In the discharge of my duties as leader, I hope I shall exhibit none of the miserable qualities suggested by the retiring Prime Minister in one of the most remarkable attacks of my public career.” Mr Menzies was cheered from all parts of the House. Resignation* from Party Dramatic developments followed the adjournment. Two Country Party members, Messrs A. W. Fadden and B. H. Corser, announced their resignation from their party owing to their objection to Sir Earle Page’s remarks. They intend to become Independent Country Party members. Sir Earle Page’s speech Is reported to have caused deep resentment even among members of his own party, some of whom intend to seek an explanation, and may even demand his resignation from the leadership of the Country Party. The House adjourned until May 3. Sir Earle Page later tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and Mr Menzies was invited to see the Governor-General. MR BRUCE SILENT MAY RETURN TO AUSTRALIA GENERAL ELECTION POSSIBLE (United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) LOS ANGELES, April 20 Attempts to obtain comment from Mr S. M. Bruce, Australian High Commissioner in London, who is on his way to England, upon the selection of Mr* B. G. Menzies as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, failed to-day. The British Consulate, which is acting the part of clearing house here for Mr Bruce and his party, refused to allow journalists to make contact with Mr Bruce, and even denied his presence in the city. However, Jt is intimated that Mr Bruce may make a statement tomorrow. The Australian Associated Press is informed on excellent authority that advisers close to Mr Bruce feel that the choice of Mr Menzies may not be the ultimate solution of the situation and that an appeal to th^ country may be necessary, in spite of the avowed disinclination of all the parties for an election at present. It is believed that Mr Bruce probably will wait here at least until the House of Representatives votes an.l shows the feeling of the Country Party. The Mariposa will return to Australia from San Francisco on April 25 and it is believed that Mr Bruce may sail in that vessel if his advisers feel that Mr Menzies' position is insecure. THE NEW CABINET TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) CANBERRA,- April 20 A commission to form a Commonwealth Ministry was granted by the Governor-General, Lord Gowrle, to Mr Menzies this afternoon. it w&a ofh-

dally stated that the GovernorGeneral had acted on the advice of «lr Earle Page, who afterward discussed the position with members of his party, the Country Party. Mr Menzies, who expects to leave for Melbourne to-night, will announce the new Cabinet on Monday. All the members will he drawn from the United Australia Party, and it is understood Mr Menzles will strengthen it by the inclusion of some younger men. The present state of parties in the House of Representatives is; Labour .. ?<» United Australia Party 26 Country Party .*.• .. 17 Thus the Country Party holds the balance of power, but in no circumstances will Labour agree to form a Government on a promise of support from the Country RtrQ.