Quite an interesting position has been created in Lòndon as a result of the debate upon the Government's conduct of the campaign in Norway, and the division on the motion to adjourn, which Mr. Chamberlain accepted as a test of the confidence of the House of Commons in his leadership. It was a snap challenge on the part of the Opposition, and it speaks well for Mr. Chamberlain's courage that he did not hesitate to take it up. The figures of the division are very signi ficant. Not only did the Government secure the smallest majority since 1931, but the fact that forty-four Government supporters, including Messrs. Alfred Duff Cooper and Leslie Here Belisha, voted against Mr. Chamberlain, while some fifty or sixty others abstained from voting, indicates that the Government whips were unable to control the situation. Consequently the Government received a setback the importance of which may not be realized for a few days to come. As the position now stands revealed somewhere about one hundred normal supporters of the Government, either by positively voting, or refraining from doing so, have openly expressed their criticism of the manner in which the Cabinet conducted the attempt to assist the, Norwegians in south Norway. On the figures Mr. Chamberlain is still in control of the House of Commons, and perhaps on any other subject than the Norwegian campaign would still command the big majority which he has had since he came into power, but the fact that so many of his followers have voted in the way they have, must force him seriously to consider whether he is justified in remaining in office. He is in no way bound to resign, and the indications are that he is inclined to hold on to the reins of control, reforming his ministry to mollify the critics who have attacked him. Should he do so he would be amply justified, for, if the Cabinet is to be changed every time British or Allied forces meet with a reverse, the whole situation will be reduced to an absurdity. That most certainly did not occur in the last war, and should not be allowed to occur in this.
Already there is speculation as to who might be Mr. Chamberlain's successor. Apparently the most likely candidate is Lord Halifax. That he has qualifications for the post is undoubted, and it may be possible under him to broaden the basis of representation in a new Cabinet to include those members of the Opposition who because of personal antagonism to the Prime Minister, and his two closest associates, Sir John Simon and Sir Samuel Hoare, refuse to serve under Mr. Chamberlain's leadership. If in view of that fact he decides to resign it will be all part and parcel of the manner in which he has sacrificed himself in the past for the good of his country, and the way in which he has unflinchingly followed policies which he believed were for its good. There should be no mistake about it; the direct heir of the muddle in which British defences were left as a result of the policies of the Labour Government, and the administration under Earl Baldwin which followed it, Mr. Chamberlain was forced to make decisions for which he was roundly criticized at the time. His conduct of British policy vis-a-vis of Germany gave the Allies much breathing space in which to make good the deficiencies which the slackness of previous administrations had permitted to exist, and, if it is only because of that fact, he will have established a reputation as an able and careful leader which will last for all time. That there will be some objection to Lord Halifax succeeding Mr. Chamberlain should the latter choose to resign, may be taken for granted. Not the least drawback will be that he will have to handle Parliament from the House of Lords, and leave the House of Commons to a deputy. That has been done in the past, but it has about it inconveniences which would be less noticeable im times of peace than they would be in times of war. It is almost absolutely essential that whoever is Prime Minister should be in direct touch with the House of Commons, and Lord Halifax would most certainly be not. On the other hand if it is the case that Opposition members would be prepared to serve under him, the establishment of what would be a national coalition of all parties might modify the situation to such an extent that Lord Halifax would be able to assume office in spite of the disadvantage indicated.
From all the speeches which were made during the debate, most of which so far as the Opposition were concerned were typical of political destructive criticism and polemic oratory rather than real contributions to the study of British policy, only one constructive idea appears to have emerged. That strangely enough came from Mr. Duff Cooper, who argued in favour of the establishment of an inner Cabinet, including, if possible, a Dominion statesman in the rôle of Overseas Minister. There is everything in the world to commend such an idea. While it may be true that the British Isles are the spearhead of the imperial resistance to German aggression, it is also a fact that the Empire at Jarge is wholly behind the British Government in its determination, and is pulling its weight in the common cause. It would indeed be a splendid thing if the Empire were to know that the decisions of the Cabinet were made by a body of men in which it was properly and effectively represented. There might be some difference of opinion as to from which Dominion such an imperial representative should be selected, but that a matter which should not be incapable of a. solution satisfactory to all concerned. 'There are great men in each of the Dominions who command the confidence and respect of the whole of the' Empire, and it would be highly satisfactory if one of them were actively taking part in the control of the conduct of the war. That suggestion obvious-Jy demands careful consideration, and it is to be hoped that something of this nature will be done, as demonstrating how solidly There it if this turns out to be the case, many who admire the courage and steadfastness of the who, despite the execration which fol-the betrayal, followed the policy which he believed to be right, and so has proved himself much bigger than his critics. On the other hand he may not. that prove to be the case it may be taken for granted that the Opposition will still loyally do all they can to assist his Government in the prosecution of this war to the successful conclusion which the Allies confidently expect.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.