20 APRIL 1944, Page 13

THE PRIME MINISTER SIR, —May I—one of very many, I am

sure—thank you for your defence of the Prime Minister? The country is in a dilemma. It has as little regard for, the membership of the present House of Commons as it ever had for any, and on good grounds. But the one way of release end redresi, by a general election, is denied it, or seems to be denied,

while the war lasts. It is not inconceivable, however, that circumstances or even the eventual long lapse of time may make a general election a lesser evil than letting the present House continue.

Of what does this House consist? Very largely of those who would not listen to Mr. Churchill in the years of his opposition, while Hitler plotted and armed. These false shepherds, in their multifarious foolish- ness, let the nation drift into deadly danger. Some of them thought rather well of Hitler. Some trusted everything to the League of Nations: and what was every nation's business proved to be the business of none. Others, more practical, did something: they disarmed.

There is a strong "Never Again " feeling in the country, "Never Again " this, that, and the next. Much of this feeling is sighted grimly on the personnel of the present House, and only waits its chance. The magnanimity of Mr. Churchill has spared the false shepherds all re- crimination. It has not put them right with the country.