British Politics.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1922, Page 3

British Politics.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

MR AUSTEN CHAMBER LAIN

LONDON, March 3

Mr Auston ■ Chamberlain (Unionist Leader), speaking at Oxford, said:— “Mr Lloyd George lias offered to resign, if the Conservative Leader thought a return to party Government was desirable. After consulting Ins colleagues, however, he (Mr Chamberlain) had replied to Mr Lloyd George stating ,the national interests would be injured by his resignation. Mi Chamberlain at Oxford, added “Mr Lloyd George told me the other . day that if we felt the interests of the country would be better served by a return to party government, he would gladly' retire. Mr Lloyd George would not take no for an answer. He told me to confer formally with my party, and let him have their reply. Hie added that the wave of unrset and differences of opinion are distracting the Coalition.” Mr Chamberlain continued:— “We have replied to Mr Lloyd George, and have told him that we think the interest of the country would not be advanced, but rather retarded, by his resignation. (Prolonged cheering). Those who worked most lonely with Mr Lloyd George and his Liberal colleagues felt that, to accept his offer, would lie to betray the stability which it is the duty of the Conservative Party to preserve.

COALITION PRESS STATEMENT. LONDON, March 3

The “Daily Chronicle’s” political correspondent says: “The crisis in the Coalition is still very serious. I hear that Mr Lloyd George, when leaving for his home at Chequers Court used an expression which his friends con strue to mean that he doubted whether he would return to Downing Street. Mr Chamberlain and the other Ministers will visit Chequers Court on Saturday to discuss the position. On Hie other hatid, two thirds of the Conservative Cflmfnoners have privately passed a resolution that they will support the Coalition, and another meeting will he held in Tuesday to discuss a resolution that the next election must be fought on the constructive national programme, common to the adherents of the Government, and that this can best be done under the joint leadership of Mr Lloyd George and Mr Chandierlain. An important discussion is proceeding regarding the applicability of proportional representation to the stuation.

CHAMBERLAIN ON SITUATION LONDON, March 3

Much interest has been taken in Mr Austen Chamberlain’s latest speech at the Carlton Club. Oxford. He said that xlio country was being told that the Coalition was tottering to its fall. That conception was .far from the truth. The best thing was to talk frankly. He continued, “When 1 succeeded Mr Bonar LaW as leader Of the Unionist Party, the Prime Minister repeated to mo the statement lie already had made to lil.V predecessor. It ought to lie common knowledge that when Mr Asquith resigned Mt Lloyd George did not seek the Premiership. He offered to serve under Mr Bonar Law, or Mr Balfour, but both thought it was in the interest of the country that M r Lloyd George should have the Premiership. He took it on their request.

MINISTER’S VIEWS. LONDON, March 3

Rt Hon Mr Worthington Evans at Colchester said that the Premier had offered to retire but had said that he (Mr Lloyd George) would support the Conservatives in carrying out their unfinished programme. All the Conservative members of the 'Cabinet had assured Mr Lloyd George of their sup port, and had begged him to continue in office. He (the speaker) hoped he would continue, but they could not oxpect him to bear the immense burden unless they backed up their leaders in supporting Mr Lloyd George. HON W. CHURCHILL. Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 4 Hon VC. Churchill speaking at Loughbrougli, had a mixed reception. He said it was evident there was going to be a onsideruble political battle, and he asked, “will it he fought according to a well made plan ’bv the leaders of the organised Army, or will it be what is called a soldiers battle, where there is no plan, cohesion, organisation or unity of command and where generals are engaged in quelling insubordination. That kind of battle makes a great difference to success and the number of casualties. He hoped that wisdom would prevail and they would enter the battle under trusted leaders, against the growing peril of communism. He looked forward to tlfe time when the Coalition would become a strong, united permanent national party.

THE POLITICAL IMPASSE. ' ..Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 4. Hon Austen Chamberlain’s and Hon Worthington Evans’ speeches assuring Hon Lloyd George of the personal lovaltv of Conservatives leaders and tliat thev believe his resignation would be against the national interests, do net meet Hon Lloyd George’s demand that discipline must be maintained m the Conservatives ranks, and freedom from attack, which the leaders seem powerless to enforce. Though Conservative Commoners who are revolting against the Coalition number only 8U there is a widespread revolt tl.rougl.oul nmintrv amongst local Conserve

lives organisations, which refuse to support the Coalition candidates and demand a revival of party distinctions. Nevertheless Mr Lloyd George may consent to carry on until the impending general election. His decision will be announced on Tuesday. POLITICAL SITUATION. (Received This Day at 1.5 LONDON, March oThe British Cabinet m«et 9 on Monday morning. The general impression is that, the situation is easier. Pubb attention is fixed on a which Hon. Balfour » bkely to make at ths luncheon on Tuesday in the City at the Carlton Club.

LLOYD GEORGE TO CARRY ON. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, March 4. The “Sunday Times” states definitely that Hon. Lloyd George will not resgn. The general electon wll probably be postponed until the Autumn. Kite decision was reached after Mr Chamberlain (and Unionist colleagues urged that the resignations would be a national disaster, and assuring him of their personal loyalty and determination to disclaim, and not sanction any attempts at a Conservative break away. Hon Lloyd George desired to resign altogether apart from intrigues in order to obtain a mental and physical respite respite from the tremendous strain of recent months, but he yielded to his colleagues urgent request and the call of duty. The paper adds that the Coalition is thus patched up, hut it remains a sick man and possibly will not stand the strain of a general election. Before then we may see a revival of the attempt for a Centre Party.