SITUATION DARKENED

Chronicle (Levin), 22 October 1947, Page 5

SITUATION DARKENED

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— Reuter

Mr. Eden Speaks Of Outlook Internationaily

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Received Wednesday, 10.30 a.m. LONDON, Oct. 21. "The internauonal situation is sombre and it has darkened almost everywhere since we last met," said Mr. Anthony Eden, opening for the Opposition in the Address-in-Reply debate in the House of Commons. "It is little wonder," he added "That the United Nations can contribute little except provide platforms for exchanges of the utmost violence, in which M. Vyshinsky has been distinguished by the unbridled license of his language and Mr Hector McNeil by his courage and candour." Mr. Eden critiCised Russia's attitude to the Marshall plan He declared: '"We now know what to expect from Communist activities in avery land." Referring to the Ministerial changes, Mr. Eden said: "Viewed from this side the reasons for the dismissal of some Ministers and the retention of others is very diffieult to understand." Mr. Eden regretted that the King's speech did not mention reducing the Government's expenditure, which continued to stand at a staggering height. He added that the naval cuts and reduced size of the Home Fleet had prol'oundiy shocked the country. "We sliall have a Home Fleet smaller than the Peruvian Navy." Mr. Eden said there appeared to be neither justification for amending the Parliament Act nor an eleetoral rnandate for it. Where, he asked, was the obstruction of the House of Lords which would justify the Government taking this. Mr. Eden concluded by saying that the Government's pursuit of purely partisan policies would not Yestore the nation's nrosperity nor bring happiness to the people.