Members from the Commons were only too ready to leave
the turgid atmosphere of the Civil Defence Bill for another place on Monday, on the supposition that Lord Halifax would correct the misinterpretations of his speech made on the previous Thursday. The general impression was, however, that if the intentions of the Government were clearer, and if they inspired more confidence than they do, the speech of the Foreign Secretary would have been regarded as an admirable exposition of British policy. The mere suspicion that appeasement is in the offing is enough to excite violent opposition, both at home and, one under- stands, abroad. Lord Halifax contented himself by asking those who were in doubt to re-read his speech as a whole. His position, at the moment, is one of great authority, and most Labour Members appear to accept his word without question. This is not to be entirely explained by the fact that he is removed from the hurly-burly of the Commons. If Mr. Chamberlain has considered at all the question of who is to succeed him, one hopes that he has not allowed the unfortunate accident of birth to prejudice his decision.
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