The Government benches emptied when Mr. Chamberlain had finished, and
many Government supporters, therefore, missed hearing a powerful speech by Mr. Greenwood. His plea for a thorough re-examination of .the position of the Home Front received support from all quarters. His suggestion, however, that we should have helped Poland more than we have drew shouts of protest from the Tories, many of whom still seem reluctant to acknowledge the co-operation of the Opposition. Mr. Greenwood said that, in the future at least, we should give to our friends quick, certain and generous help. Many Members are considerably alarmed as to our relations with Turkey, and, while the best interpretation is being put optimistically upon Russia's proximity to Rumania on the Polish Frontier, there is an unpleasant feeling that the Balkans have already passed beyond our sphere of influence. Neither Mr. Chamberlain nor Mr. Greenwood made any pretence as to the Polish disasters; indeed, at times, their speeches were almost funeral orations. It seemed unfortunate that their comments on Russia's intervention should have been so enthusiastically greeted, and have drawn from the Tories and, in particular, from Captain Margesson on the Front Bench such delighted cheers. Sir Archibald Sinclair was wiser in not castigating those whose neutrality at least we shall be thankful for in the days ahead.
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