7 APRIL 1939, Page 3

Monday's Debate was a great occasion, if only evidenced by

the fact that the House listened for three hours to a suc- cession of speeches from its most notable Members. The House was deeply interested throughout, though seldom very enthusiastic. Mr. Chamberlain was in his grimmest mood. He made no attempt to inspire, and it was left to Mr. Churchill, with real nobility of language, to Illy tribute to the calm resolution of the British people. Although frequently the majority of the House find themselves in dis- agreement with Mr. Churchill, there is no one, on an occa- sion such as this, whom they are more ready to listen to, and no one who voices their sentiments more clearly and in the best House of Commons tradition. Sir Archibald Sinclair seemed slightly to misjudge the atmosphere in the House in his attack on Sir John Simon. The case against the Chan- cellor was strong, but at that moment it was inopportune for the Leader of the Liberal Party to make it. His speech was all the greater contrast to that of Mr. Greenwood who, deputising for Mr. Attlee, during the last week, has unex- pectedly pleased the supporters of the Government by the leadership of his Party.

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