UNHAPPILY CHOSEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 April 1939, Page 8

UNHAPPILY CHOSEN

LORD STANHOPE’S REMARKS QUESTIONS IN THE COMMONS. PRIME MINISTER’S ASSURANCES. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day. 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 5. Mr A. Greenwood (Deputy Leader of the Labour Party)'suggested that Mr Chamberlain was making light of a serious business and asked whether he considered Lord Stanhope fit to hold an important post. Mr Chamberlain replied that Lord Stanhope had expressed great regret that his words, which perhaps were not very happily chosen, should have given rise to so much comment and so much unnecessary alarm. “I don’t think it affects Lord Stanhope’s efficiency .'with which I am perfectly satisfied,’’" said Mr Chamberlain. Sir Archibald Sinclair (Liberal Leader) suggested Mr Chamberlain’s action of interfering with the freedom of the Press had ensured redoubled publicity throughout the world. He asked, was not it better to leave the Press to conduct its own business without interference from the Prime Minister. Mr Chamberlain replied: "I think it appropriate for the Government from time to time to make requests to the Press. I’ve always found the Press ready to comply. I must take the blame tor my action not producing the effect I wanted, which was top revent unnecessary public agitation.”