When civilization and the rule of law were threatened by barbarism, said Sir Archibald Sinclair, leader of the opposition Liberals, and Liberal member for Caithness and Sutherland, Mr. Eden was regarded by people of all schools of thought as the champion of democracy.
"Mr. Eden's resignation," he continued, "will rejoice Britain's enemies and discourage her friends. Signor Mussolini's secret instructions to the press included get rid of Eden,' and he to whom Duce gives credit for this achievement must be a proud man to-day."
A debate subsequently followed on party lines. The Labour and Liberal Opposition members unanimously condemned Mr. Chamberlain's action, while National Conservatives and other' pro-Government members upheld the Prime Minister with one exception.
This was Mr. Harold Nicholson, National Labour member for West Leicester, who said that the question was whether foreign policy would be conducted on the basis of expediency or principle.
He prophesied that the suggested irade negotiations would end with a "big fat loan to Italy," which he hoped the House would refuse to grant
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