26 JANUARY 1940, Page 3

It may be assumed that some time will elapse before

Mr. Chamberlain makes any more major changes in the personnel of his Government. But there is a good deal of speculation as to the possibility of a re-shuffle among the junior Ministers and Under-Secretaries. Apart from Sir Arthur Salter and Major Gwilym Lloyd George, there has been no infusion of new blood into the lower ranks of the Ministry since the beginning of the war. The amnesty granted to Mr. Churchill and Mr. Eden did not extend to their sympathisers on the Government back benches. Party loyalty has been at a premium for many years past, and recruits for the Front Bench have been selected from amongst the strictly orthodox. The results of this system are now becoming apparent in the shortage of suitable candidates for the highest posts. If Mr. Chamberlain would abandon the methods of his predecessor in this respect, the change would be welcomed by members of all parties. In particular, he would do well to consider the claims of some of those who were doubtful of his wisdom at Munich. In so doing he would strengthen his own position and add considerably to the calibre of his Administration.