Suez schism
Sir: The Suez Affair recalled by Lord Deedes in last week's Spectator occasioned something unique in parliamentary history: the collective resignation of the party whip by a dozen headed by Lord Hinching- brooke when, despite all their brave words, the Government authorised British shipping to use the Canal on Nasser's terms, paying dues to the aggressor.
For more than a year we met and worked as a group. We usually voted with the Government, insisting that we were within the Conservative and Unionist Par- ty, though not the party in Parliament. Most of my constituency supporters re- garded my stand as no heresy, while regretting the schism. The UNA branch in Ongar, then in my Chigwell division, back- ed Eden, as did Professor Gilbert Murray, mentioned by Lord Deedes.
However, some backbenchers' wives cut ours at parties. This once upset mine, perceiving which Lady Dorothy Macmillan crossed the room to comfort her. 'Never mind, dear,' she said, 'I can scarcely remember a time before the war when Harold had the whip!'
Final reconciliation came after we had applauded the resolve shown in the Middle East when the Government sent troops to Jordan to sustain King Hussain while the Americans landed in Lebanon.
Of this second Suez Group, three remain in Parliament: Lords Maude and Deedes and John Biggs-Davison
House of Commons, London SW!
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