Evening star., 1940-08-03
Government Change,
Declared Pending
In British Crisis
ChumberIuin's Health
Is Regarded Factor
In New Shifts
BY HELEN KIRKPATRICK,


Chicago Daily News Foreign Correspondent.
LONDON, Aug. 3.-Behind the
attacks on Alfred Duff Cooper and
his Ministry of Information lies a
much more complex political situa-
ton than is generally recognized by
the British man in the street.
Whether or not Duff Cooper sur
wives the violent offensive which is
being carried on by certain organs
of the press here, it seems certain
that there are far-reaching changes
in the government pending. They
may come suddenly, as political
crises do in this country, where
they simmer unnoticed for a long
time, or they may not come for
several months.
One clue to possible changes lies
in the state of Neville Chamber
lains health. The former premier's S.
major abdominal operation may
have been more serious than has
been stated and indications are
that while there is no doubt of
his recovery, there may be consid
cradle doubt whether he will still
be able to hold public Office. 1t
must be remembered that Mr.
Chamberlain is II, and while
major operation of the character
performed is serious for any one
years younger, it is bound to be
more serious at that age. If Mr..
Chamberlain is unable to return to
his full duties the question of lead
ership of the Conservative party
arises.
Churchill May Be Successor.
1t would seem that the logical
man to take over the leadership
would be Prime Minister Winston
Churchill, despite his known re-
luctance to be affiliated with any
party. He regards himself as head
of coalition government of which
the leaders of Great Britain's three
major parties are members. But
other Conservatives who had been
thought to be potential party lead
ers seem to have faded by the way
side. Sir Samuel Hoare (Ambassa-
dor to Spain) is definitely out and
would not be acceptable to the ma
jority of the party, anyway. Lord
Chancellor ViScount Simon is a Lib
eral and therefore eliminated, while
Foreign Secretary Viscount Hall
fax. who has been spoken of as the
next leader, has gone steadily down
in the ecinion OF leading politicians
and apparently, also, in public opin-
ion.
A new figure is coming rapidly to
the fore in a curious situation where
Conservatives still hold majority
in Parliament. while the country is
obviously supporting Labor leaders
and, therefore, the government, be-
cause they are in it. Lord Beaver
brook, former Canadian and promi-
nent press lord, is occupying a posi-
ton of great influence in this gov
ernment, and he is regarded in some
quarters as a candidate for other
and higher Offices than that of chief
of aircraft production. 1t is inter-
esting to note that the London Daily
Express and Evening Standard have
led the campaign against Duff
Cooper. These papers are owned by
Lord Beaverbrook. whose candidate
in the famous st. Georges election
years ago was defeated by Duff
Cooper.
An unofficial survey of the coun-
try in recent weeks is reported to
have shown that the majority OF
the working people-especially those
in vital war industries-tend to re-
gard the parliamentary Labor lead
ers as having betrayed them by ac-
cepting Office in the same govern
ment with the Chamberlain group
The Importance of skilled labor and
munitions workers cannot be over
estimated. Therefore, the man who
can present himself as leader OF
these people may be in a position te
exert considerable power.
Conflicts Arise.
Many are wondering whether Lord
Beaverbrook is not possible candi-
date for this role. But it would be
necessary first to eliminate Labor
people like Arthur Greenwood, Min
lister Without Portfolio. but to re-
tain men like Supply Minister Her
bert S. Morrison and Labor Minister
Ernest Bevin. who still stand high
with the workers. There is Ger.