NEWSPAPER ATTACK

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 42, 13 November 1940, Page 8

NEWSPAPER ATTACK

Australian Political Leadership

(Received November 13, 12.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, November 12.

Replying to the Prime Minister’s complaint about Australians’ war apathy and labour disputes, the “Sun,” in an editorial, tonight attacks Mr. Menzies’ leadership and declares: “It is not apathy that is troubling us, but lack of confidence in our political leaders.” The editorial cites the 100 per cent, response to recruiting for all arms of the defence forces and the fine work being accomplished in the munition workshops. It directs attention to the disunity in the political sphere and then says:—

“What an example .of sheer inability to realize the implications of this war these leaders have provided in the mere compromise of the war council, which is already split in half on matters of major policy. Mr. Menzies. looking at the disunity and apathy in his own environment, dares much ■when he charges with apathy Australians who look with envy at England led by a Churchill and free of the party curse.

“Our political leaders might ask themselves why, after an election which called for the highest statesmanship and sacrifice of personal ambitions, even political prejudices., they manoeuvred for a month, whereafter they produced a Government representing a bare half of the ]>eople. We are certain that Australians only require inspiring leadership—leadership that knows what is needed and goes straight toward it with every ounce of sinew and nerve.”