17 FEBRUARY 1939, Page 16

It would be unfortunate if that unity for which Mr.

Eden pleaded so courteously last Sunday, were to be sacrificed to any refusal to admit past errors of judgement. Let the anti-Munich party confess that they underestimated the sedative effect of the Prime Minister's visits to Germany and Italy, as also the influence of popular opinion upon the dictators themselves. Let the Munichois confess that the spirit of the Munich settlement has not been observed any more faithfully than that of the Anglo-Italian agreement. Let both sides (if they wish to do anything so silly) exclaim " I told you so! " And let both sides face the fact that the Spanish and Colonial questions are likely, within the next weeks, to be restated in terms so unexpected and perhaps so menacing that all internal bickering should cease at once. For in truth only the most insatiable among his critics could fail to be grateful to the Prime Minister for his recent change of heart. The mood of the Government has altered from one of evasive optimism to one of almost reso- lute vigilance. Our defences are being rapidly improved. Our relations with France were restated in precise language, and the Minorca incident compares with Nyon as a deft and pretty piece of work. Is it surprising, in such circumstances, that one should admire the dexterity of the Conservative party?