LABOUR CHALLENGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1940, Page 5

LABOUR CHALLENGE

MR MORRISON INDICTS MINISTERS

PRIME MINISTER'S REPLY

RESPONSIBILITY ACCEPTED.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) LONDON, May 8.

The Dominions’ High Commissioners, including Mr W. J. Jordan (New Zealand) sat in the crowded galleries of the House of Commons when the debate on the Norwegian campaign was continued. Mr Herbert Morrison said: “In the eyes of the world, Britain's prestige has been badly let down. I wonder whether the Government, instead of taking this business seriously, are merely discharging the moral obligation of protecting themselves from criticism. How near must we get to disaster before ministries will try to understand Herr Hitler’s psychology “We must understand that we are fighting an enemy not worried overmuch about neutral rights. It was most unwise to tell Herr Hitler that we were going to lay mines before laying them. We should have laid the mines first and told the world afterwards. Is Mr Churchill being used as a shield for Mr Chamberlain? It is unfair to overburden Mr Churchill with responsibility for the Government’s policy.”

Mr Morrison - named Mr Chamberlain, Sir John Simon and Sir Samuel Hoare as unequal to their task. More than any other three men they were responsible, he said, for not avoiding the war. They lacked courage, initiative, imagination and liveliness in the conduct of foreign policy. The lack of these qualities was again manifesting itself in the actual conduct of the war. “I feel,” he said, “that if these men remain in office, we will run a grave risk of losing the war.” When Mr Morrison announced that Labour would divide the House in the evening, Mr Chamberlain electrified the House, by springing up and declaring that the challenge made the occasion graver still. He said: “I accept primary responsibility for the actions of the Government and my colleagues will not be slow to accept their responsibility.” OPEN GIVEN & TAKE FOREIGN COMMENT ON DEBATE. AMERICAN APPROVAL. Foreign and other-comments on the | debate in the House of Commons are reported by Daventry. Commenting on the debate, the “New York World," says: “It is a magnificent example of democracy. The spirit of the British people will be heartened and strengthened by such give and take.”

The “New York Times” says the debate would be impossible in any other European country. The discussion was on ways alone and not ends. The general feeling in Canada is that still more details should be given, but that the Government will do all it can to further the war effort.

Newspapers in Holland say that nothing Mr. Chamberlain said will cause neutrals to change their views. Newspapers in Sweden express surprise at Mr. Chamberlain’s criticism of her attitude.

In Italy, the “Popolo di Roma” praises the Prime Minister's honesty and sincerity. In France Mr. Chamberlain’s frankness is praised.