1 APRIL 1938, Page 3

Whatever may be thought of the Labour leadership in the

Commons, there can be no doubt that the party is admirably led in the House of Lords. The speech in which Lord Snell opened the debate on Wednesday was brief, lucid and pointed. He had some caustic observations to make about the Prime Minister's declaration that, " His Majesty's Government place full reliance upon the intention of the Italian Govern- ment to make good their assurances." This simple faith was, he thought, really impressive, but he hoped that it was not of the kind which enabled them to believe what they knew was not true. Later in the afternoon Lord Redesdale seemed to regard the German annexation of Austria as a matter for congratulation. He received his deserts at the hands of Lord Cecil, who pointed out that if the noble lord happened to be a Liberal or a Catholic or a Jew in Austria, it was doubtful if he would talk about a " bloodless operation." * * * *