FULL LABOUR SUPPORT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 140, 14 May 1940, Page 7

FULL LABOUR SUPPORT.

NEW GOVERNMENT, “EVERYTHING AT STAKE.” Received May 14, 9.40 a.m. LONDON. May 13. “This is a tremendous moment. Everything is at stake. I have no time for people who talk claptrap about an imperialist war. You’ve got to face the. issue,” said Mr C. R. Attlee, Leader of the Labour Party, who has joined the War Cabinet, in a speech at the Labour Party Conference at Bournemouth. He moved a resolution empowering the Labour Party “to take its share in the responsibility as. a., fill l partner in the new Government, which, under the new Prime -Minister, commands the confidence of the nation.” “It is a time which calls for action and swift decision, when men and women must be prepared to shoulder the weight and responsibility,” said Mr Attlee. “I believe the country, wants the uew Government. The national executive came to a grave decision whether- it would help to form that Government. It would have been more pleasant to have left the decision to you, but events marched over-swiftly. Belgium and Holland were invaded. The great crisis in the war came. You cannot dither in a crisis. I told the Prime Minister that Labour went into the Government only with the movement’s suoport. , “I cannot act effectively until I have a mandate from the conference. I believe we are forming a Government which can rally the nation’s forces. We are facing a tremendous task. Those joining Ihe Government will have to take far-reaching . and difficult decisions. I appeal to the Labour movement to stand firmly. Both politically and' industrially we must win the fight;” The resolution pledged full support to the new Government in its efforts to secure a swift victory and a just peace. It is understood Mr Attlee was anxious that the vote should be expedited to enable him to return to London with the vote in his pocket. Mr Greenwood will wind up the discussion. MR ATTLEE CHEERED A remarkable scene occurred as Mr Attlee left. The. delegates rose en masse and cheered wildly for several minutes. The chairman promised the conference that .Mr Attlee would have the result before reaching London. Dr. L. Haden Guest, a Labour M.P., said: “I was present at General Headquarters when the real war began. Our men want a more vigorous Government and fighters in the Government. I am convinced the strength of those tremendous columns now advancing will be redoubled by the decision here. Let us inspire the nation with a crusading spirit and put everything we have got into the fight.” Mr A. Greenwood said Labour’s challenge had brought down the Government. “Labour cannot refuse to share responsibilitv for the conduct of the war,” he said. ‘ The suggestion that Mr Attlee ana I are guilty of treachery is a foul lie It, would havo been greater to stand aside. A Chelsea amendment opposing the National Government and "demanding power for a. Socialist Government was defeated by an enormous majority. Mr> Attlee’s resolution was carried by 2,413,000 vote's to 170.000