WILL LIVE IN HISTORY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 January 1940, Page 5

WILL LIVE IN HISTORY

PRAISE FOR RETIRING WAR MINISTER PREMIER’S REPORTED OBSERVATIONS. MR HORE-BELISHA LIKELY TO SAY LITTLE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, January 8. The “News Chronicle’’ learns that when Mr HoreBelisha had the vital inter-.-view with the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, which led to the former’s resignation from the War Ministry, Mr Chamberlain praised him, saying that- lie would live in history, and emphasised that lie would not allow him to-be criticised, hut, he added, ■‘‘there is prejudice.” It is learned in London that when Parliament meets on January 16 Mr Hore-Belisha will make a personal statement as to why he resigned (states a Daventry report). Political observers believe that Mr Hore-Belisha will say very little and probably will shed no light on the real reasons for his departure from office. The most outspoken. Press comment on the resignation is that of the “Observer,” which says that Mr Chamberlain “has given the country a surprise which will continue to be disturbing till its results have been measured by experience. Mr Hore-Belisha’s departure from the War Office will give the public more than a weekend of uneasiness.” The “Observer” adds that mysteries are mischievous in times of strain. Whatever watch Mi' Hore-Belisha might place upon his own lips, his record would maintain its eloquence. NAZI TALK MR STANLEY AS INVETERATE ENEMY. LONDON, January 8. The Rotterdam, correspondent of “The Times” says that German comment on the British Cabinet changes is confined to the subject of Messrs Hore-Belisha and Oliver Stanley. The latter is credited with being as equally efficient a representative of Jewry as Mr Hore-Belisha. Mr Stanley is stigmatised as an inveterate enemy of Germany, and one of the promoters of the encirclement. Some quarters regard his appointment as War Minister as strengthening the French connection with British policy and heralding more energetic conduct of the war. CONCERN IN FRANCE PRESS SHOWS COURTEOUS RESERVE. LONDON, January 8. The “Manchester Guardian’s” Paris correspondent says Mr Hore-Belisha’s resignation has caused a feeling little short of consternation in France. The Press from courtesy has not expressed strong opinions, but indicates that Mr Belisha is the victim of the upholders of the conservative routine in the Army. CENSORSHIP CONTROL VICE ADMIRAL USBORNE RESIGNS. LONDON. January 8. The “Daily Herald” says that the chief censor, Vice-Admiral usborne, had been asked to resign and has consented. He will shortly take up another Government post. The office lapses, and supreme control will be vested in Sir Water Monckton, the Controller of Censorship. DUTIES TAKEN UP NEW BRITISH MINISTERS. SPECULATION CONTINUES. (Received This Day, 9.0 a.m.) LONDON. January 8. Sir John Reith arrived at the Ministry of Information and took up his duties. Sir Andrew Rae Duncan similarly has taken up his new duties at the Board of Trade. The “Daily Mail,” in an editorial, says the dismissal of Mr L. HoreBelisha has produced a state of speculation much of which is mere guesswork. Mr Chamberlain’s character and reputation alone are sufficient to refute any suggestion that Mr HoreBelisha was sacrificed to Army intrigue. The Premier is the last man in the world to tolerate a military dictatorship. Nothing in the faintest degree discreditable is involved nor is the war effort in any way diminished. The Home Office announces that Vice-Admiral C. V. Usborne, Director of Censors))ip, has resigned in order to undertake new work of fhational importance, for which his experience of the service particularly qualify him in connection with specialised naval construction under contracts for the Admiralty. VICE-ADMIRAL USBORNE TAKING UP MANAGING DIRECTORSHIP WORKING OUT NEW IDEA. (Received This Day. 9.45 a.m.) LONDON. January 8. Vice-Admiral Usborne becomes managing director of a ship construction firm entirely devoted to Government work. He is working out a new idea which may become a very big thing.