PROSPECTS IN BRITAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 1940, Page 6

PROSPECTS IN BRITAIN

RESIGNATION OR FORMATION OF NATIONAL MINISTRY Labour Leaders Refuse to Serve under Mr Chamberlain LORD HALIFAX AND MR CHURCHILL NAMED AS POSSIBLE SUCCESSORS IMPORTANT CABINET CHANGES IN PROSPECT IN FRANCE (By Telegraph.—Press Association—Copyright? (Received This Day, 12.30 pan.) LONDON 7 , May 9. After a day of conflicting’ rumours, no clue has yet been given cf Mr Chamberlain’s decision. His choice is apparently between resignation or the re-shaping of the Government into a National form. Simultaneously, important French Cabinet changes are ■» reported to be under consideration. Italian and German reactions differ, in so much as the Italians display great interest, while the Germans deliberately treat the debate as an event of secondary importance, explaining the House of Commons demand for a more, vigorous prosecution of the war as an indication that Britain is bent on plunging the whole of Europe into total war. Mr Chamberlain is reported to have asked the Labour leaders whether they are prepared to serve in a reconstructed Government under his leadership or under another Conservative leader. It is understood that the Labour’ leaders replied that service under Mr Chamberlain was impossible. The Labour Executive Conference at Bournemouth, on May 10, will decide whether service under another leader is possible. Mr Chamberlain is reported to be willing to resign if a National Government can be formed by another leader, possibly Lord Halifax, with Mr Winston Churchill as Leader of the House of Commons. Alternatively, Mr Churchill might be Prime Minister, because of the traditional objection to a Prime Minister in the House of Lords. ■ NEWSPAPER COMMENT Drastic Change in Government Demanded (Received This Dav, 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 9. “The Times” says it would be futile to suppose that the House of Commons division was indecisive. It was a plain injunction to make drastic changes in the Government, particularly broadening the whole basis. Mr A. Duff Cooper put the whole matter in a nutshell when lie said the country was tired of finding that the Government apparently was surprised by every enemy move. The “Daily Mail” says the country wants a new Government, composed of men of drive, initiative and proved efficiency, under a new leadership. It does not want the old gang, which has been shuffled monotonously and ineffectively for ten years past.