Evening star., 1932-10-02
British Cabinet Changes
Leave Macdonald Weaker
BY A. G. GARDINER.

LONDON, October Prime Minister
Ramsay Macdonald has weathered the
British cabinet crisis with minimum
of upheaval. but the departure of the
Liberal free traders and Viscount Snow
den leaves him isolated and the ma
tional character of the government is
gone.
The resignation of SnoWden as lord
privy seal was a particularly heavy
blow. SnoWden'S character commands
unrivaled respect from friend and foe.
He was the only considerable Labor
personality that followed Macdonald
into the National government and it
is notorious that the broadcasting Of
his terrific speeches contributed more
powerfully than any other factor to the
magnitude of MacDonald's victory at
the polls.
Snowdens fierce accusation that the
Conservatives had used him and Mac
Donald as instruments for their pro-
tectionist aims and had violated the
understanding on which the election
was held emphasizes the fact that the
government is now essentially Conserva-
tive, with Macdonald as a non-party
flgurehead.
The expectation in some quarters
LlldI MdCOOldlu VIII llIi0 liLo pOSllAoll
impossible and be driven to resign is
not shared by those most intimate with
the prime minister. who apparently is
reconciled to a Conservative encourage
and has now no political career apart
from the present combination. More
over, the Conservatives are anxious to
retain him as the last guarantee OF the
national status of the government.
1t had been hoped that Macdonald
would seize the opportunity offered by
reshuffling the ministry to change the
control Of the foreign Office, for while
the crisis arose over the fiscal question
and the Ottawa agreements. the most
widespread dissatisfaction with the gov
ernment prevails on account Of its at
titude in external affairs. Those affairs
grow steadily more disquieting.
The only ray of light visible Is IN
India. where Gandhis spectacular fast
has had the effect, quite unlocked for,
Of inducing the high-caste Hindus to
recognize the right Of the untouchables
to separate representation and even to
concede them more seats than the COM
munal award proposed. That award
was only given by the British govern
ment after the failure of the Indians
to arrive at their own solution, and the
counter proposal now made as result
of the Hindu surrender to Gandhi has
been cheerfully accepted by Macdonald.
One Of the greatest obstacles to indian
settlements seems to be removed and
the RECOGNITION of the untouchables Is
regarded not merely as an important
political concession, but still more i'm
portant prelude to the reform Of the
Infamous social condition Of the de-
pressed classes.
Elsewhere the outlook darkens. 1t Is
feared that the Ottawa agreements will
compromise the government at the
World Economic Conference, and the
issuance Of the Lytton report compels
the powers to cease their ostrichlike at
titude towards the Japanese challenge
in Manchuria and face the most for
midable of problems in world states
manship. The firm and discreet ham
ding Of this great question is gravely
hindered by the eternal Franco-German
question, which becomes steadily worse.
It is still doubtful whether Germany will
consent to be present at the resumed
Disarmament Conference. Germany's
demand for an equality status has been
pushed to the point OF an ultimatum
and Premier Herriot'S reply has further
exasperated and stiffened the Germans.
Gen. Won Schleicher denies the tpten-
tion of Germany to rearm regardless Of
what the powers do, but Germany ooes
demand the fulhllment Of the disarlnA-
ment promise on the part Of the othe
powers. Is France ready to 60 far
enough In that direction to satisfy Ger
many? The answer at the moment ap-
pears to be emphatically mo-" and II
Herriott persists in his present attitude
it will be dificult to prevent Germany
from rearming, with the inevitable con-
sequence of another devastating war.
1t is in this field that the British
government should play decisive part
as mediator, but Sir John Simon has
been assailed on all sides for his timid
and nerveless action in regard to both
Manchuria and disarmament. THE
conclusion that Simon has been a ma
tional and international disaster Is in
escapable," says the New Statesman,
and asks: "Is 1t wise to side with Japan
when the cost is the breaking up Of the
League Of Nations. ending the hope OF
iisarmament, quarreling with the United
States and setting afoot preparations
for the next WARP"
1copyrishts 1oa2A -.-.