22 MARCH 1940, Page 3

Mr. Attlee made a somewhat puzzling contribution. Although he left

no doubt as to where his own sympathies lay, he skirted round the awkward topic of Finland. Clearly he was not prepared to choose this ground for a whole- hearted attack. After a few comments he proceeded to a general review of the Government's war effort, touching generally on almost every aspect of their policy, both at home and overseas. It was left to Sir Archibald Sinclair to open the real attack. The Liberal leader has never wavered in his view that more effective help could and should have been given to the Finns, and he addressed a series of pointed interrogations to the Prime Minister. He did not deny that we had dispatched substantial quantities of arms and sup- plies. But had we done everything possible to ensure that they reached their destination? Passing to the general con- duct of the war, he was perfectly willing to put forward his own proposals for grasping the initiative—in a private session. It is difficult to see why the suggestion of a further secret sitting should always be greeted with derision on the Government benches.