Mr. Chamberlain, addressing the Central Council of the National Unionist
Association. on Tuesday, said that the War and the increase of the electorate from seven, and a half millions to twenty millions had upset the old party traditions and, made the old party controversies obsolete. The,Unionist policy must be to "maintain our great Imperial and foreign. interests,' and to strive for economy at home. To meet the attack that was being made on the very basis of our society, Unionists must co-operate with the Coalition Liberals. Mr. Chamberlain said that, when the General Election came, he and the Prime-Minister would not distribute coupons to approved . Coalition candidates. They: would issue separate appeals to their respective parties, "but not without an understanding between ourselves both as to. what we want to do and as to the method by which, it may be accomplished." The Labour men and Independent Liberals had a tacit agreement not to oppose each' other in-the oonstituv encies. So, too, the Unionists must come- to terms with the Coalition Liberals, by whose help many- Unionists held their. seats. Mr. Chamberlain, declared that disunion, in- the -Unionist - ranks was treachery to the cause, though he would not ostracize- those who differed from him on-the-surrender to Sinn rein.
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