June 21.
Mr. Churchill's decision to afford the House of Commons an opportunity to discuss the shipping question in a secret session shows his willingness to meet and deal with criticism, particularly on this subject concerning which much has.been said. When approximately two months ago the secret debate upon supply problems was held, an opportunity was given for the airing of criticism of which full advantage was taken. Tt was then shown that there was no opposition to Mr, Churchill in the House of Commons but rather a desire to stimulate the Government's efficiency in the war effort. The Prime Minister's undertaking, given during question time on Thursday, that he. would make a full statement on the shipping question, has started off a campaign favouring his relief from some of the onerous tasks which he has assumed since he accepted office. 'There is a decided feeling that Mr. 'Churchill is endeavouring to handle too much detail, that he should relinquish the work' fof Minister of Defence, and devote himself to leading a very small War Cabinet which would apply itself solely to supreme issues.
'The Prime Minister from the very moment he took over office commenced to render: magnificent service to the British cause. Not' only has he proved a positive inspiration to the whole of the Empire and its Allies, but with the enormous energy he possesses has concerned himself with a considerable amount of work which could and should be left to others. Like many men of his calibre, Mr, Churchill very evidently believes that the way of doing a thing best Is to do it] himself, and as "The Times" very rightly says: "The nation has at its head an inspired' ind inspiring Prime Minister, and the valuable service he is rendering would become: even more valuable if he could be relieved! of some of the intolerable burdens he is] beant Of the unassailability of Mr. Churchill's position there cannot be the slightest doubt. Standing head and shoulders above the men, around him, he commands the confidence of the entire Empire, and if anyone endeavoured to press the Prime Minister further than he was willing to go on war questions, there would be immediate opposition in favour of] the nation's acknowledged leader. There is feeling that the services of Lord Beaverbrook could be better used as Mr. Churchill's deputy on all war production problems, for he also is a man of authority and more than the necessary drive, and, if he could be persuaded to take over some of Mr. Churchill's work, the nation would be assured that was in safe hands. His prowess as Minister for Alreraft Production clearly shows the stature of the man and his complete suitability as Mr, Churchill's somewhat Junior alter ego. Tt is possible to picture a War Cabinet within the present Ministry consisting of the Prime Minister, Lord Beaverbrook, Mr. Ernest Bevin and a re~ presentative of the Admiralty as the real controlling brain of Britain's war effort.
That has been urged for some time past, and a realization of the burdens which rest upon Mr. Churchill's broad shoulders is making the case in favour of such a change all the stronger. That Mr, Churchill must be in complete control of policy cannot be gain said, It is believed that that control would be all the more secure if he were relieved of some of the work which he has voluntarily undertaken. If there are not men around him capable to taking some of it over from him,—and it is not suggested for one moment that there are not,—then fothers who are capable must be found. But there Is plenty of driving force in the Cabinet as It is, at present constituted, though the question of its most efficient utilization does not yet appear to have been solved. An all round sua te not fndlated an, neces though comparatively slight changes -migh relieve Mr. Churchill of the heavy strain which is being placed upon a man who has proved himself so valuable to the nation he so enthusiastically serves.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.