GENERAL APPROVAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 7

GENERAL APPROVAL

MEMBERS SWORN IN. NEW DEFENCE PORTFOLIO. (British Official Wireless.) Received May 13, 10.15 a.m. RUGBY, May 12. Sir Samuel Hoare and Mr O. Stanley had audiences with the King at Buckingham Palace this morning, when they took leave of His Majesty on relinquishing their appointments as Secretary of State for Air and Secretary of State for war. The principal members of the new Government were sworn in at a Privy Council held by the King shortly after mid-day at Buckingham Palace. This evening, before the announcement of the new Cabinet, Mr Churchill had an. interview with the King at Buckingham Palace. The interest aroused in the new Prime Minister’s task of forming a Cabinet was shown by the large crowd which gathered outside the entrance to the Admiralty and the numbers of people assembled in Downing Street. This afternoon the Labour leaders. Mr Attlee and Mr Greenwood, had a three-quarters of an hour conference with Mr Churchill. REDUCTION IN SIZE. Satisfaction is generally expressed with tile composition of the new war Cabinet. The inclusion of Mr Attlee and Mr Greenwood was approved by political observers, who also supported the appointment of Mr Alexander as First Lord of the Admiralty, a post he held in the Labour Government from 1929 to 1931. The Liberal leader, Sir Archibald Sinclair, the new Air Secretary, was Secretary for Scotland in the first National Government from 1931 to 1932. Great interest has been aroused by the transfer of Mr Eden from the Dominions Office to the War Office. The reduction of the War Cabinet from nine to five follows the strong demand for such a change made by many critics during the House of Commons debate and effected by Mr Churchill adding the new post of- Minister of Defence to that of Prime Minister, while excluding from the actual war Cabinet the three Defence .Ministers--who, incidentally, together represent the three parties in the House of Commons. PREMIER’S QUALITIES. A warm welcome is offered by the Press to Mr Churchill on assuming the office of Prime Minister. A typical comment is that of the Daily telegraph (Unionist) : “By the inspiration of a bold arid fertile genius, bv long study and aptitude for the direction of the war, by an experience in administration hardly to be rivalled, and above all, by force of will and hearty understanding of that stubbornness and fire which have made the British nation great in arms, Mr Churchill has the qualities to make his arduous task glorious. He will be able to command from the leaders of the several parties support, making easy the establishment

of a Government completely; representative of the nation and uniting the ability aud energy which will bring forth* the utmost power of the country and direct it to the swiftest and greatest advantage.” The News-Chronicle (Liberal) says: “At home our political crisis is over. Britain has full confidence in Mr Churchill’s leadership.” BEST WISHES EXTENDED. The Manchester Guardian (Liberal) says: “In Mr Churchill’s administration we have the promise for the first time of a truly national Government. At its head is the only man whom the country would hold comparable as a leader in war with Mr Llovd George of 25 years ago.” The Times (Independent) says that the new Prime Minister has been chosen from among Mr Chamberlain's closest colleagues, and that-he; will be -able to ensure that there is"no hesitation ill the supreme efforts to which the nation is now summoned. Newspapers in ' all' parts of the country are equally cordial; The Liverpool Post (Liberal)" says that Mr Churchill takes office with the good wishes of the whole nation. The Yorkshire Post (Conservative) declares that the change of Prime Minister wipes away all recriminations and controversies about our national leadership. j In Scotland, the Glasgow Herald ; (Tndci)cndent') says, that Mr Churchill’s j e’evntion to the leadership of the country in its greatest trial .will satisfy all sections of the nation, the armed forces and civilians alike,' for the task ahead. French opinion is no loss cordial, and freouent comment is that Mr Churchill is I’m man Hitler fears most. Th° Canadian Government has cabled Mr Churchill giving him an assurance of wholehearted co-operation. LABOUR’S INCLUSION. ENDORSED BY EXECUTIVE. CONFERENCE DECISION. (British Official Wireless.) Received May 13, 10.40 a.m. RUGBY, April 12. As a preliminary to to-morrow’s meeting of the Labour Party Conference, at which Messrs Attlee amt/' Greenwood will speak, the Labour executives—the 'Parliamentary Labour Party and the General Council of the Trades Union Congress—met this afternoon at Bournemouth and approved the following resolution : “This meeting of these national executives ,records ils approval of the decision taken by the leaders and national executive committee: of the Labour Party in tlieir efforts to strengthen the machinery of government in this country for the purpose of bringing the war to a successful conclusion.”

Mr Churchill had his second audience with the King since lie became Prime Minister at Buckingham Palace this evening.