A CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20499, 16 May 1938, Page 7

A CRISIS

BRITISH GOVERNMENT

MINISTER OFFERS TO RESIGN RECONSTRUCTION POSSIBLE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON. May 13 Earl Baldwin to-day lunched with Mr Chamberlain at No. 10 Downing Street. The Daily Herald Labour, construes his visit as being due to Mr Chamberlain's appeal for his predecessor's assistance in connection with the criticisms of the Government’s iir defence policy. The Daily Mail stales that owing to Parliamentary feeling. Viscount Swinton, Secretary of State for Air, several dayg ago placed his resignation in the hands of Mr Chamberlain, who refused to accept it. but after yesterday's debate the Government faces a‘ crisis more serious than after Mr Eden's resignation. Mr Chamberlain’s advisers contend that the Government cannot agree- to the air inquiry which Conservatives and Labour members demand, as it would delay the Air Ministry’s work. However, if Mr Chamberlain refuses, more than 100 Conservatives are confronted either with abstaining in an important division or voting against the Government. Some believe a re-vote can be averted if Lord Swinton and Earl Winterton resign, necessitating a far-reaching reconstruction of the Cabinet. Mr Chamberlain will consider the position during the week-end.

VISCOUNT BWINTON SILENT NO COMMENT TO MAKE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received*May 16, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 15 The Marquess of Londonderry, with whom Viscount Swinton is spending the week-end in Ulster, stated: 44 Viscount Swinton will make no comment on his supposed resignation.” THE LABOUR PARTY OBJECTION TO POPULAR FRONT PREPARATION OF MANIFESTO United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, May 14 On behalf of the executive of the Labour Party, Mr Arthur Greenwood. Dr. Hugh Dalton, Professor Laski and Mr H. S. Morrison have prepared a 2000-word manifesto urging the rejection of the formation of a Popular Front comprising Labour members, Liberals, Communists and Left Wing Conservatives.