Our Parliamentary Correspondent writes: The Prime Minister has spoken. No
one who heard his speech will ever forget it. The tears that reluctantly rolled down his cheeks, as he sat down and everyone else stood up to cheer, were a measure of the deep emotion that stirs this great and gallant man. But they were also a response to the profound affection in which he is universally held, not least by the Labour Party and Trade Unionists. This man who once said--and with reason—that Labour was not fit to govern is now the undis- puted leader of the country and King of the Commons. Once more he matched the occasion with a dignity and restraint of language unequalled for a century. " In the fullest harmony with our Dominions we are moving through a period of ex- treme danger and splendid hope, when every virtue of our race will be tested and all that we have and are will be freely staked. This is no time for doubt or weakness. It is the supreme hour to which we have been called." Then followed his superb message to all those serving in positions of importance under the Crown. I make no comment here on the present condition of the French Fleet nor on the later announcement by Mr. A. V. Alexander on later exploits in connexion with tl-w battle- ship ' Richelieu. The House and the country are filled with sorrowful relief and fresh confidence in the Navy's competence to execute a swift, clean job.
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