Evening star., 1938-02-21

u
depend on the attitude of four
major poWerS--Germany, Italy,
France and ourselves"
Commons Packed.
Mr.. Eden and Mr.. Chamberlain
spoke before packed, intent House
Of Commons in an atmosphere made
tense by events of the week end-the
bristling speech of Reichsfuehrer Hit
Ter in the Reichstag yesterday. the
dramatic resignation of Mr. Eden and
Mr.. Chamberiain's rapid moves toward
accord with Italy.
Mr.. Eden told Commons he had re-
signed as foreign secretary rather than
deal with Italy in the face of Premier
Mussolinis rife, hostile propaganda"
against Britain and II Duce's ''glori-
fication" of victories in Spain.
Agreements that are worth while
are never made on the basis of threats"
he cried.
Cheered repeatedly, both from the
Labor benches and scme sections of
the government supporters. Mr.. Eden
declared frankly that this was an oc-
casion when strong political convic-
tions much override all other consid-
erations'
NO man can be the keeper of an
other mans conscience" he declared.
Prime Minister Chamberlain, to
whom Mr. Eden obviously referred
in this phrase. replied that it was
''unfair Of Mr.. Eden to represent that
the italian government used threats"
in seeking reopening Of conversations
looking toward Anglot1talian friend
ship
The prime minister said he had tried
to break vicious circle" of Anglo
Italian hostility when the Italian AM
bassador approached him last week
after the Ambassador had had IAN
amiable conversation" with Mr.. Eden.
Before the momentous session of the
Commons opened Chamberlain. who
accepted Mr.. Eden's withdrawal from
his government last night, held a sur
prise conference with Count Grandi.
Chamberlain Drives Forward.
The determined Prime Minister, in
spite of worldwide reverberations from
what some Of his critics called the sac
rif1ce Of Mr.. Eden to Europes dictators,
went ahead full speed with his new
cabinet-approved approach to Mus
solini
Directly contradicting Mr.. Chamber
lain's statement, in the letter accept
ing his resignation, that the differences
between them were not fundamental.
Mr.. Eden threw down this challenge:
within the past few weeks upon
one most important decision of foreign
policy which did not concern Italy
at all. the difference was funda-
mental"
1T may be argued" Mr.. Eden con-
tinued, that this is not difference
Of fundamental principles in the sense
that the objective Of all foreign policy
IS the maintenance of peace.
That is perfectly true, but in in
ternational affairs can any one define
where outlook and method end and
principle begins?"
Mr.. Eden was given a tremendous
two-minute ovation as he sank with
visible weariness into his seat at the
end OF his speech.
Mr.. Chamberlain received some Labor
boos. along with mis- supporters cheers.
1t was generally felt the Prime Min
lister was stalking British prestige be-
fore the world on his own decisions.
especially that for new understanding
with italy.
CranbOrne Backs Eden,
Viscount Cranborne. the undersec-
retary for foreign affairs, who fol-
lowed Mr.. Eden out OF office, told
Commons that his former chief was
absolutely right"
He added that the beginning of Of
ficial friendship conversations with
Italy was surrender to blackmail."
During his address Mr.. Eden de-
chred II Duce had sent considerable
fsee LONDON. Page A-4)