BRITISH POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1924, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS

ICBTItAMAN AND N. 7.. GAM.E ASSOCIATION A SENSATIONAL INTER VI KAY. LONDON, May 13.

A sensation has been caused ill political circles by an alleged interview with Mr Baldwin published in ‘•People.” which Mr Baldwin to-day repudiates. ll.' staled that:—“Tl contains many statements, particularly those of a personal character, which he did not make, and for which he will accept no responsibility. Mr Baldwin, however. does not slate which part of the interview is incorrect, so the newspapers nf all political complexions freely quote “People’s”' interview.

The interview -aid: -“If the Terv party is to exist, it must have a vital democratic creed. It must be [irepared to tackle the evils of an overpopulated, and as over-industrialised country. It must reduce the cost of living, and remove those abuses which stood for. the socialistic arguments." It continues:—”l attach enormous importance to a --needy attack upon food profiteering.” Referring to the defeat of G'e foal itiiin, Mr Baldwin said lie did mi expect the Conservative cx-M/nislera to lake things as badly ns they did. **l.o—<l Birkenhead attached himself to Austin’s apron very cleverly. Austin 'Chamberlain) is a loyal man. who would not see intrigue if it were at bis elbow. I am under no illusions regarding Lord Birkenhead. If bis health does not give way. lie will be a liability to the Parly, but can a

leader in opposition shut tin* door to an ex-Alinister

"Regarding the attacks of Lord Bea verbrook and Lord Rothermere, f don’t .-are what they sav. I think they both are men I wouldn't have in my house. Who are they S' This trust [ires-: is hreuKing up. The "Daily Mail” i- dead, ft has no soul. Nurihrlilfo had a spark of genius, but this man—why. I had a post card the other day reading, "If Rothermere wants a halo in heaven, or a coronet on earth, why don’t you get it for

him!'" Beaverbrook contracted a curious friendship with the ’ late Mr lb mar Law. and put his finger into the’ political [fie. When 1 came in. the.! was all stopped. All this intrigue, this Churehill-plotting. is bad for’ the party. The intriguers want to get back to an' old. dirtv kind of politics. They won’t while I am leader.”