In spite of the poor attendance of Members, which still
continues a feature of the session, the discussion of the Army Estimates produced a keen debate and a remarkably high level of speeches. Mr. Duff Cooper wisely abandoned his truculent, combative manner, and deeply impressed the House with a speech in which he examined every difficulty of recruiting and made constructive proposals for their removal. The reply of the Opposition was a refreshing indication of how far their minds have moved on the question of re- armament. Mr. Lawson frankly declared that the Labour Party was ready to support new armaments if they were intended to fulfil the obligations of collective security, and the subsequent speeches of the Labour back-benchers were devoid of all party gibes and contained many practical suggestions as to how the recruiting deficiencies could be made good. It may be hoped they will be carefully studied in the dictator-ridden countries, for they indicate that in spite of party divisions inseparable from a democracy, a direct challenge to our Imperial security will unite the British nation as swiftly and solidly as in 1914. * * * *
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