Two factors, it seems, are operating in the minds of
the Government against an autumn election. The first is the position in Abyssinia. At the moment the situation is very black. Signor Mussolini has rejected all proposals for compromise and seems determined to embark on the reckless gamble of war in Africa in the autumn. It is bound to create a first-class crisis at Geneva which cannot fail to have important reactions on home politics. Then there is the problem of the unemployment regulations, which is no nearer a solution. A section of the Cabinet are believed to favour a drastic recasting of the Unem- ployment Act of 1934, involving a severe curtailment of the powers of the Unemployment Assistance Board, before new regulations are introduced. In that event it would probably be impossible to pass the necessary legislation before the Recess. Many Members, too, dislike the idea of an appeal to the country so long before the statutory expiration of Parliament, when' there is no excuse for it other than a belief that it would be tactically advantageous.
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