The Conservatives seem as a whole to be more interested
in National Service at home than in the re-orientation of our foreign policy. But many who want some form of compul- sory service realise that they may not get it without a re- constructed Government. Conscription and co-operation are the only topics of discussion these days. Mr. Eden, and the Conservative opponents of Munich, continue to advocate a broader-based National Government. That they do so is alone sufficient to make the idea suspect to some people. At the Conservative back-benchers' committee on Monday, most speakers advocated immediate compulsory service. Co- operation with Labour was held by some to be desirable, by fewer to be essential. But action was demanded by all. Yet a deputation to the Prime Minister was not insisted upon. A Whip was to convey the sense of the mceting. The Con- servatives are restless, but for how long will they remain so? And, if nothing is done, will restlessness lead to revolt or subside into relapse?
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