CABINET SPLIT RUMOURED

Chronicle (Levin), 14 January 1949, Page 5

CABINET SPLIT RUMOURED

(N.Z.P.A.

. — Reuter*

Suggestion That Mr. Berih May Resign

Convright) U &

Received Thursday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 13. Offieial Government quarters eategorically denied • reports of a Cabinet split over the Palestine issne but mounting spec.nlation is regarded as an iiidication of the, general political anxiety over Middle East developmeuts, says I Reuter^s political eorrespondent This is likely to be shown in full force when Parliament reassembles on January 18 in expectation of a statenient 011 Palestine by ]\ir. 'Ernest Bevin. . It is thought. Mr. Bevin will have to handle Parliament with great firmness to avert the birth of a new fc-reign poliey resistance group in Govemnient supportrrs ' ranks. Speculation snggesting Mr. Bevin 's early rfesignation have been current since his recent mo'nth's rest after a-spell of overwork. He is apparently in improved health, since his return and many ' quarters, therefore, think his resignation unlikely as at present Mr. Bevin is the lynchpin of the Cabinet strueture. His resignation would alter the Government balance of power and have pro found consequenees in the whole British Labour movement. With a little over a year remaining before the General Election, large sections of the movement would be gravely disturbed by a ehange in the for.eign affairs portfolio. An uhusually long 'sitting of Cabinet yesterday had heightened the speculation about the possibility of a Government crisis over Palestine. One newspaper repqrt said Bir Stafford Cripps was leading a Cabinet revolt against. Mr. Bevin 's Middle East policy. Rumours equally unconfirmed dcclared that Mr. Bevin was 011 the verge of resigning.