27 DECEMBER 1940, Page 3

The important event was obviously the Prime Minister's speech. I

have listened to almost every speech he has made during the last six years and I can never remember him speaking before from a single sheet of note-paper. The reason was soon made evident. In future we are not to hear—except at longish intervals—war-statements from the Prime Minister. There is no doubt that many members were looking forward to a comprehensive statement, touching on selected topics and including some remarks on war-aims. Instead he has chosen to broadcast to the world, and it is rumoured that the war aims are to appear in printed form. Moreover, as the Prime Minister reminded us, " what was wanted was deeds, not words."

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