2 JUNE 1939, Page 3

The Week in Parliament Our Parliamentary correspondent writes: The discussion

on the adjournment motion was further evidence for those who argue that the Government, if sufficiently hard-pressed, will always give way. They point with some justification to the many tergiversations in Government policy since March. Dr. Dalton at Southport appears to have taken the credit for our improved position to himself and the Labour Party. But the Ministry of Supply is at least partly due to Liberal pressure, and in the opinion of most people Mr. Churchill's influence far transcends that of either of the official Opposi- tions. Indeed, the steady increase in his prestige and the acceptance by the Government and their supporters, step by step, of the changes in foreign policy and defence which he has put forward is the most remarkable development of the last few months. To be actively associated with him is still held to be dangerous, but at least it is now as dangerous to be openly opposed to him. The very arguments which he uses against a recalcitrant Cabinet are, within a few months, sure to be employed by that Cabinet against those of their followers who persist in advocating their former policy. Never have Messrs. Tadpole and Taper been forced to such verbal acrobatics. It says much for Mr. Chamberlain's per- sonality that, in spite of it all, his position is unchallenged ; but he owes a heavy debt to Captain Margesson, Herr Hitler and the Labour Opposition. * *