NO CLUE YET

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 137, 10 May 1940, Page 7

NO CLUE YET

PREMIER’S INTENTIONS. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. LABOUR’S ATTITUDE. (United Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received May TO, 12.30 p.m. LONDON, May 9. After a day of conflicting rumours no clue kas yet been given as to Mr Ckamberlain’s decision. His choice is apparently resignation or reshaping the Government into a national form.

Simultaneously French Cabinet changes are reported to be under consideration.

The Italian and German reactions differ in 60 much as the Italians display great interest, while the Germans deliberately treat the debate as tan event of secondary importance, explaining the Commoners’ demand for a more vigorous prosecution of the war as an indication that Britain is bent on plunging the whole of Europe into a total war. Mr Chamberlain is reported to have asked the Labour Party leaders, whether they aie prepared to serve in a reconstructed Government under his leadership, or under another Conservative leader. It is understood that Labour replied that • service under Mr Chamberlain is impossible. The Labour Party executive conference at Bournemouth to-morrow will decide whether service under another leader is possible.. Mr Chamberlain is reported to be willing to resign if a National Government can be formed by another leader, possibly Lord Halifax, with Mr Churchill as leader in the House of Commons. Alternatively, Mr Churchill might be Prime Minister because of the traditional objection to the Prime Minister being in the House of Lords. GERMAN PERVERSION. Mr Lloyd George’s comment in the debate on 'Wednesday, when Mr Churchill said he would take complete responsibility for everything done bv the Admiralty and would take his full share of the burden, that “Mr Churchill must not allow himself to be converted into an air-raid shelter to keep the. splinters from hitting ■ his colleagues,’’ has been transformed by the German Trans-Ocean broadcasts into a surprising statement. Mr Lloyd George is made to say: “I hope Mr Churchill will not take refuge in air raid cellars to protect himself against the splinters of the shells hitting his Ministerial colleagues or admirals.” PLAIN INJUNCTION. The London Times says it would be futile to suppose the division was indecisive. It was a plain injunction to make drastic changes in the Government, particularly the broadening of the whole basis. Mr Duff-Cooper put the whole matter in a nutshell when lie said the country was tired of finding the Government apparently surprised by every enemy move. The Daily Mail says the country wants a new Government composed of men of drive and initiative, and proved efficiency, under new leadership. l It does not want the old gang, which has been shuffled monotonously and ineffectively for ten years.