In the hands of any other than the present Labour
Opposi- tion, the Hudson affair would have resulted in a first-class Parliamentary row. All the ingredients were there. But strangely, after Mr. Chamberlain's statement, the Opposi- tion, with the exception of Mr. Shinwell, were apparently prepared to let the matter drop. The general opinion of the House, which at first was hostile to Mr. Hudson, later was in his favour. Many Members wondered how he, who had taken a strong anti-appeasement line in the past, could now be conducting such negotiations; but, though most people would oppose any immediate appeasement moves, it is realised that the only alternative to war is some form of economic agreement. There have been rumours that Mr. Hudson was only following a course which has already been set by at least one Cabinet Minister. It is doubtful whether the suggestion of his resignation ever had any truth behind it. His friends are indeed confident that he has improved his position. Many Tories, however, are alarmed lest the Hudson-Wohltat conversation, revealed in the way that it was, coupled with the inaction in the Far East, though the Government may have no option there, prove to be bull-points for the Opposition at a General Election.
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