THE COMMONS DEBATE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 137, 10 May 1940, Page 6

THE COMMONS DEBATE.

If the debate in the House of Commons on the Norwegian withdrawal has the effect of closing the ranks, strengthening the fortitude of the nation in meeting the might of Germany, and increasing the vigour - of the Empire’s war effort to its fullest possible extent, it will have served a veiy valuable purpose. Evidence of the political temper of Mr Chamberlain’s opponents was seen in the Labour Party’s challenge to a vote which the Government survived by 81 votes, more than 100 members of the normal strength of 615, some of whom are on active service, not being present. That was not a flattering, majority, but it does not necessarily mean that the Government should resign as hasty critics would have it do. There is, however, need for reconstruction, and in this greatest of all dangers which has beset the Empire it is fitting that every political party should be represented, taking a full share of the work and not remaining aloof from all its difficulties. In the world economic crisis of ten years ago Britain formed a National Government from which certain elements remained aloof. If today they still prefer to steer this course then Mr Chamberlain must reconstruct his Cabinet to bring the best men supporting the Government to the front. Well did Mr Churchill appeal for party feuds to be forgotten and all energies to be harnessed to this supreme war effort, for “at no time in the last war were we in greater peril than Ave are now.” That warning is far too serious to lightly pass by. We are up against a most treacherous foe, who refuses to acknoAvledge the decent rights by which men live and nations prosper, and the plain fact is that Hitler must be defeated for the Empire, founded on justice-and truth, to survh-e. The debate Avill not have been without valuable effect if it rouses the nation to the conflict and all its implications; and whateA r er its ultimate consequence, on Mr Chamberlain’s leadersliin the A T ast majoritv of British peonle will not forget the debt due to him for the time he gained in preventing war for a year to enable Britain to prepare for the blow Avhen it did fall from Germany.