By contrast, Monday's debate was a quiet affair. Sir Archibald
Sinclair seemed to be studiously moderate in a speech of great competence, but Mr. Dalton was unnecessarily offensive in presenting his case ; and the Prime Minister seemed to take pleasure, cheered on by his enthusiastic supporters, in retaliating. Mr. Chamberlain's speech exceeded the expectations of many Members. Mr. Eden welcomed it as a very direct and forthright statement of policy. There was an astonishing contribution from Sir Arnold Wilson, who courageously, for his line was unpopular, put in a good word for Germany. Sir Archibald Southby, who is generally recognised as Government Defender No. 1, went out of his way to attack Mr. Eden, Mr. Churchill and Mr. Duff Cooper ; but these three found an eloquent and informed champion in Mr. Harold Nicolson, who was principally con- cerned, however, in defending Mr. Hudson, whose conversa- tion with Dr. Wohltat still came in for some criticism. Mr. Butler, who wound up, has seldom been heard to greater effect. He suffers from the reputation that he has created for himself as a stonewaller at Question Time. He has necessarily to be on a leash, but his speech confirmed Members in the opinion that he is far and away the most efficient Under-Secretary in the Administration, with the possible exception of Captain Crookshank.
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