EXIT MR CHAMBERLAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 10

EXIT MR CHAMBERLAIN

The resignation of Mr Chamberlain from the British War Cabinet marks the end of a career. Concurrently he has vacated the position of leader of the Conservative Party, which, in the circumstances, had become untenable for him, and it is logically assumed that Mr Churchill will succeed him in that office. There was an extreme demand in May, when Mr Chamberlain resigned the Prime Ministership in favour of Mr Churchill and the Government was reformed on a national basis, for the former's disappearance from high office altogether. It was neither practicable nor reasonable, for the reasons that he still held the highest position of trust conferred by the powerful Conservative organisation and that by remaining in office he would be in the best position to smooth the process of transition for his own party. That has been achieved, and appreciated. But when the policy of appeasement failed, there was a feeling that Great Britain's unpreparedness for war was almost wholly due to leadership which lacked both vision and inspiration, and that feeling could not be balanced, especially among the more radical elements both at Home and abroad in the Empire, even by the consideration that the period of respite won by that policy enabled deficiencies in armaments, in some measure at least, to be repaired. Mr Chamberlain directed foreign policy in the critical pre-war period according to his judgment of both men and events. He was mistaken in that judgment. Nevertheless, when the time came for him to accept the verdict of public opinion he showed an uncomplaining recognition of defeat and a genuine magnanimity in rallying to the support of the new leader and the new Government. To-day, oppressed by ill-health and feeling the strain of his years and of an arduous-period in office, he has chosen the wise course of retirement. There may, as the result of his decision, be greater unity within the War Cabinet and an enhanced concentration on the vital task of

prosecuting the war. Mr Chamberlain was conservative in both thought and action, and his restraint in matters demanding bold and swift judgment may have been a hindrance rather than an aid to his colleagues. When this is acknowledged, however, the value of his services and the absolute sincerity of his motives should not be forgotten. The exchange of letters between the two leaders is in harmony with the best in British political tradition. Among such men political differences do not diminish respect. Mr Chamberlain will go without rancour and with the knowledge that, while he spent his own powers without stint in the fight for peace, against opponents who were wholly devoid of honour or scruple, another remains who is exceptionally equipped to fight the war to victory. Mr Churchill is now in the position to confront his task anew, aided in his reconstructed Cabinet by the best abilities in the land, encouraged by the implicit confidence of the Empire peoples, and strengthened, we may believe, by their unshakeable resolve to go with him to the end.