The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, 16th., OCTOBER, 1922. THE NEW DEVELOPMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, 16th., OCTOBER, 1922. THE NEW DEVELOPMENT.

Jt is a new development for the wife of • the Prime Minister to take defimte- | lv to the platform to aid not only her husband’s cause but also that of the nation. Dame Lloyd George, who is a member of the Order of the British , Empire, spoke in no uncertain way of the righteousness <if the Prime Mmisi tor’s action. Naturally, Mrs Lloyd George resents the partisanship dis- ‘ played by the opponents of the Government. and the charge of unreasonableness. to say nothing of the lack of gratitude. on the part of the critics, will lie approved very generally. The condemnation of the Prime Minister which was passed, was all expressed from a partisan point of view, and with one side only before the public. For the rest all was conjecture. It is dear from the scraps of information made public, that the situation all along was desperately critical. Any Minister to have expressed his mind publicly while delicate negotiations were in progress coultl easily have upset relations which were held together alone bv the forclieaiaiue shown. The silence of Ministers was fully justified, and it is more to he praised seeing that it was preserved under such great provocation bv those bent on wrecking tlie Government and perhaps precipitating a national disaster which a state oi war certainly would be. The vigorous remarks of Mrs Llovd George will prepare the waiting world for all parts are interested and many affected by the swing of the political pendulum in England—for the Prime Minister’s address at Manchester duo over the cables to-day. It may be expected that, the Premier will he iu good fighting trim. The settlement at Miulaiih removes the occasion for much reticence, hitherto necessary, and a clear cut statement on Mr Lloyd (teorge’s part now seems to bo a national necessity rather than a personal one. We may gather from his wife’s spirited rejoinder to the critics that Mr Lloyd George can fully absolve liimsell personally, and what defence it may he necessary to offer will la; iu regard to Britain’s determined action in relation to Near East affairs. Britain stood alone, and acted independently "t her Allies. There must he a reason for such action. If Mr Lloyd George is able in publicly proclaim the reason, it will he helpful for the public to understand how far it is necessary for Great Britain to ally herself with other European nations, or to whirl- extent alliances should lie sought with other countries outside Europe. Hie "hole subject of international relations for Great Britain is likoly to pass into the melting pot of change and the change may produce stupendous effects.