BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 March 1922, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

AN OBSCURE SITUATION. FATE OF COALITION. PREMIER’S INTENTIONS. By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright. London, March 16. The political situation remains most obscure and confused. The anti-Coalition Press insists that the recent actions of the Conservative Party, as indicating a revolt against Mr. Lloyd George’s leadership, must force the Prime Minister’s early resignation. On the other hand leading Conservatives themselves declare that their only ideal now is to reunite the party which, owing to the defection of the die-hards, is in danger of disintegration. They insist that the questions of the Premier’s resignation, the composition of the succeeding Ministry, and the time of the general election must be considered as absolutely subsidiary to the one crowning necessity of Conservative unity. All sections have now agreed to sink present and past differences, and stand together. If the predominant feeling of the party id against Mr. Lloyd George, the party will leave him; if favorable, the party Will give him support, but in any case will act as a whole. A general amnesty between followers and leaders will be declared.

While the permanency of this arrangement cannot be guaranteed, in view of the present political state of flux, it is essentially a victory for the great bulk of moderate Conservative members, who are neither die-hards nor desperately enamored of the Coalition. It is learned from sources in close touch with the Prime Minister that the relations between him and the Conservative leaders are most amiable, and that, they are working in the fullest co-operation. It is unfortunate that the state of the Premier’s health at the present renders personal conferences impossible. • The story that Mr. Lloyd Georges resignation is in the hands of Mr. Chamberlain is without foundation. He will certainly go to Genoa; moreover lie is very desirous of seeing the Irish question completely through. It is understood that a great deal of unrest has been observable, not only in the Conservative rank and file, but also among Coalition Liberals. Though neither party as a whole desires an immediate election, opinion is inclining to the view that October will be most suitable.. The interval will be devoted to efforts towards forming a Centre Party, which it is understood both Mr. Lloyd George and the Cabinet generally are convinced should be, and eventually must be formed.

Lobbyists agree that Lord Derby’srefusal of the offer of the Secretaryship of State for India destroys the last hope of what some newspapers describe as the fast dying Coalition. Lobbyists anticipate Mr. Lloyd George’s early resignation.