The new British Cabinet appointments follow along lines which were expected, though the strengthening of the Liberal National Party's representation in it will probably come as a surprise (0 those who would imagine Mr, Chamberlain would retain all the support there that he had, On the other hand it may be a very good move at this juncture to broaden the political basis of the Cabinet, not from the point of view of parties, but from that of the Individual. 'Thus the appointment of Lord Runciman as Lord President of the Council, brings into the Cabinet a man whose ability has long been recognized, and which was clearly proved during the course of his unsuccess(ul mission to' Czechoslovakia,. While it is clear that hho did not effect what it' was originally hoped would, perusal of his despatches to the Prime Minister during his visit show that he had quickly obtained a clear view of the situation, and was able to give his leader advice which must have proved of the greatest value. Sir John Anderson as Lord Privy Seal has un-Goubtedly been appointed for his proved exeecutive abilities, and if, as it is thought, he will bbe in charge of Home Defence in general with special reference to air-raid precautions, he should be Ju a position where he can best serve the country, Mr. Macdonald's combination of the Dominions and Colonial Secretaryships is a move in the right direction, and to be taken only as a temporary reversion to conditions in which the work of the two offices was originally handled by: one department, the Colonial OMmee. The appointments,. it is indicated, do not alter the essential characer of the Government, but it may go a long distance towards increasing its administrative strength, It Is hoped that. this will be the case, for this is especially a time when much driving force will be necessary rapidly to improve the preparations for defence, the condition of which was not too satisfactory a few weeks ago.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.