Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-04-26
BY Lord Strabolgi.

In the minor positions this good-looking, we'll
dressed pleasant-spoken young man, typical OF
his nationality and his class, made no particular
mark until 1929, when the Conservative govern
ment beaten and the Labor party took Office
for the second time.
In the next two years Eden had far better
chance in opposition. He specialized in foreign
affairs, spoke rather frequently and began to be
accepted by members of Parliament, and by the
important parliamentary newspaper
writer's, as one of the coming young men. Con-
sequently there no surprise when, on the
fail of the Labor government in 1881 and the
formation of the first national government, he
became underSecretary of state for foreign affairs
An undersecretaryship means membership in
the government, though not seat in the cabinet;
and it may or may not lead to further promotion
Now, however the foreign secretary was Sir John
Simon, Liberal and a brilliant lawyer, but I'M
popular with the Tory majority. Simon did not
remain as foreign minister; he left office in 1884
amid D public elamor. The fact that two foreign
ministers have fallen through popular disfavor
in Britain in the last two years shows the
sensitiveheSs and alertness of British public
opinion about foreign policy. This strong under
current of uneasiness with regard to the conduct
of foreign affairs also to certain extent explains
Edens rapid rise.
At present there is a violent reaction in Britain
against the old system, direct result of the
events of the years since 1914. 1t is at bottom
a realization of the utter futility of war; the
understanding that war never settles anything
Before 1914 there were paciflsts and miitarists;
but there was a popular belief that wars were
sometimes necessary.
The new spirit rejects the very idea that wars
are either necessary or, in any case advantageous
q of uQS
wiped out in the last great conflict, voices this
state of mental revolt against the institution of
with great success and apparent sincerity.
For a year before he left office, it was obvious
that Simon would have to go. By 1884 many
people of influence, both inside and outside
Parliament. already had begun to look toward
Anthony Eden as his successor. Actually, how
ever the prize went to Sir Samuel Hoare. He
was an older protege of Baldwins and had made
a great name for himself by his handling of the
Indian reforms secretary of state for India.
But Eden received promotion by being given
the office of lord privy seal without seat in
the cabinet. Usually the office of lord privy seal
is held by cabinet minister. The reason Eden
was not included in the cabinet Immediately after
the fall of Simon was because he had now become
suspect to the "old guard of the Conservative
party.
1t must be realized that there is bitter contest
within the ranks of the powerful Tory party in
England over the great question of peace and war.
The old school, in their hearts, hate the League Of
Nations and the diminution in sovereignty entailed
in support of it. They believe either in the old
system of military alliance or in the alternative
method Of splendid isolation whichever is ex-
pedient when crisis arises.
Over against these de-hards are the Liberal
Conservatives-the Baldwins. the Hoares, the
Edens and the Halifaxes who share the majority
view of the people of England that the Covenant
of the League of Nations contains the best hope
of avoiding another world catastrophe and are
determined that it shall be tried out
The "old guard" would have preferred one Of