POST-WAR CONTROLS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 15, 13 October 1943, Page 5

POST-WAR CONTROLS

Divergent Opinions In Britain (By Telegraph Press issn —Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) (Received Oetoiber 12, 7 .p.m.) LONDON, October 12. There is restlessness in Britain today. It has nothing to do with the war, but with after the war. It is not of sudden growth, but has been increasing throughout the year, and it is apparent every week in one form or another.

The past week has shown a wide gulf in the approach to post-war policy by Government Ministers themselves. It began with the speech by the Home Secretary, Mr. Herbert Morrison, on controls, when he said that “If we are to avoid social and economic catastrophe after the war” we’ have to continue the present system “of control subject maybe to suitable and sensible modifications, for as long as abnormal conditions persist.”

This speech was heartily condemned by many newspapers. Thon, Captain Harold Balfour. Under-Secretary of State for Air. made a speech against controls, referring to those who aim at “a nation trussed up tight in the stays of State control," at the “extinction of the little man." and the creation of a race of “little State stooges.” Then David Row, the cartoonist, got into hot water for a cartoon showing three opulent, 'pedple sitting in a car. They were saying: “Planning would sap enterprise and initiative. It weakens self ■•reliance and self-respect. .We must conserve the best quality or the British people. Back to the good old days.” In the background was a long line of unemployed. This was criticized as a “wicked’ incitement to class hatred.” Though in defence it was stated to be a pretty effective comment on the crude agitation against State intervention, ■which is essential if this recurring cycles of mass unemployment are to be prevented. In view of the public's restlessness, considerable interest is being focused on the new session of Parliament, the “Manchester Guardian” commenting: "We have moved a good deal beyond the mood of the Prime Minister's broadcast on his four-year plan, lie was wrong then in his contention that while we should plan and be prepared, we should leave decisions and legislation till Hitlerism is finally beaten. In one field, the international field the United Nations are not acting on his principle, 'because they tire already framing machinery which points toward his ‘future world organization.’ In the domestic field equally, we cannot afford to wait.”