“DISCORDANT NOTE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 October 1938, Page 5

“DISCORDANT NOTE”

MR A. DUFF COOPER RESIGNS FROM CABINET PROFOUND DISTRUST OF POLICY PURSUED. MR CHAMBERLAIN’S LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. LONDON. October 1. Mr Duff Cooper has resigned from the post of First Lord of the Admiralty. In a letter to Mr Chamberlain he said: —

“It is extremely painful to me in the moment of your great triumph ,to be obliged to strike a discordant note for reasons with which you are acquainted and which I propose to explain in the House of Commons.

“I profoundly distrust the foreign policy which the Government is pursuing and seems likely to pursue. Feeling as do, I consider that honour and loyalty demand that I should offer my resignation.

“I do so with profound regret because I have been so proud to hold my present office, the one I envied beyond all others in the State, and have been so grateful to you for placing such confidence in me and for having shown me such. invariable kindness and patience.”

Mr Chamberlain replied: “I have received your letter with great personal regret, but, knowing that you are sincerely convinced that the Government’s present policy is mistaken, I agree it would be improper for you to remain in the Government. “I should like to thank you for your work in the great office you are surrendering, and express the conviction that differences over public policy will not make any breach in our personal relations.” The Press Association understands that Mr Duff Cooper’s resignation is not likely to be followed by those of other Ministers. It is expected that a statement will be made in the House of Commons on October 3.