BRITISH POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1931, Page 6

BRITISH POLITICS

MR A .MERY’S VlEWS(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyngnt.J LONDON March 29. Referring to the relations ot tin 1 Conservative Party and the Beaverbrook press, Air Amory declared: “1 think tlris settlement is in every way satisfactory. 1 am sure we will all be very glad to weleome the powerful assistance that Lord Beaverbrook can render our common cause. Agrieulture must effectively be included in any national policy. Its protection should he a primary and direct object, and not merely one contingent upon Imperial preference, though' intimately linked up with it.” PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, March 29. The “Morning Post” welcomes the entente of the Conservative Party and Lord Beaverbrook. It says: “Lord Beaverbrook and the Conservatives may look forward with confidence to the end of this disastrous Government.” The “Daily Telegraph” asks if Lord Rothermere is among tin* friends whom Lord Beaverbrook consulted, and whether Lord Rothermere is prepared to c-operate with the Conservatives.

The “Daily Herald” characterises the Beaverbrook—Conservative Parly arrangement as “Lord Beaverbrook’s siaisa tional .surrender.”

The “Daily Express” ,says: “A message will go out to the Dominions, “You will never come to us again, as in 1930, and he turned empty away!” Tim whole of the farmers of Britain will not be used merely as a bargaining pawn with the Dominions. Every measure will he taken to protect British farmers from unfair foreign competition. Olio policy enunciated today will amount to a national cause.” The “Daily Mail” does not comment ori the announcement. IN THE COMMONS. LONDON. March 30. In the House of Commons. Mr O’Neill asked Air Thomas: “Can ymi give an assurance if Australia shows determination, a.s she surely will, to face the real facts of the situation, it will he the policy of the British uuvernment to give file great Dominion all possible help?”

Air Thomas said: “A more undesirable question I cannot conceive. Please do remember the position of this country and Government. I expressed the opinion on Friday that- I could not conceive that the New South Wales decision to repudiate their obligations would be allowed to continue. No greater mistake would be made tha ll to associate the Commonwealth’s decision (of which I expressed appreciation) with any outside question. It would lie a tragic (mistake to .attempt 'to answer tin's question. J am sorry even such a question could be asked because of possible repercussion in other places.” I