British Politics

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1922, Page 2

British Politics

VUSTRAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

BRITISH POLITICAL CRISIS. LONDON, March 2

The “Daily Chronicle” states:—The political crisis became graver on Wednesday, in pursuance of a desire by the Unionist leaders ito consolidate the Coalition ranks, Mr Chamberlain and Mr Balfour mbt Sir George Younger and discussed the difficulties which have arisen owing to Sir G. Younger’s public utterances. The latter was not asked to resign, but the grave difficulties in which the Coalition found itself were stressed. Sir G. Younger stood to his runs, and refused to modify his attitude. The Unionist leaders are much disappointed. The fact is, Sir G. Younger has based himself largely on the advice of Unionist Party agents, whom the “Chronicle” suggests do not represent the feeling of the constituencies.

During Wednesday evening, the Liberal members of the Cabinet dined with Mr Lloyd George at the'Savoy Hotel, and discussed the situation. Those present at the Savoy were Mr Shortt, Mr Churchill, Mr Montague, Mr Fisher, Sir G. Hewart, Mr Macnamara, Sir R. Mond, Sir H. Greenwood. Sir 11. Guest, Mr Munro, and Mr McCurdy. To a man, they assured Mr Lloyd George that if he felt obliged to resign, they also would resign in a body. The feeling among the Liberals is that the Unionist leaders must keep discipline within their party, if the Coalition is to keep in being. It is possible that if Sir G. Younger goes, the Coalition would eradicate itself from att awkward situation, but it must he made clear that the Unionist leaders will not be controverted by their party’s organisation. It is understood that afoer the Unionist discussion, Air Llovd George took a serious view of the situation.