Spain's New Cabinet The reconstruction of the Spanish Cabinet has
confounded many who have confidently predicted that the Government must move progressively to the Left. The new Cabinet, with Dr. Negrinas Prime Minister, consists of three Socialists, one Spanish Republican, one Republican Unionist, two Communists, one Basque and one Catalan Nationalist ; it has lost Seiior Largo Caballero, and the four Ministers representing the Anarchist trade unions, the C.N.T. The new Cabinet may be said to have four aims : to maintain the moderate and Liberal character of the Popular Front ; to concentrate all activities on winning the war ; to restrict the revolutionary influence of the Anarchists ; to give control of war operations to Sefior Prieto, who has increased his reputation by his conduct of the Air Ministry. For this last purpose the Supreme War Council is abolished and its functions merged in those of the Cabinet. There can be little doubt that the reconstruction will increase the efficiency of the Cabinet and its conduct of the war ; but it has a serious weakness in that the new Cabinet represents neither the Anarchist nor the Socialist trade unions. It would be disastrous for the Government if their non-co-operation developed into active hostility, for the two unions together are large enough to make the task of maintaining " order in the rear " almost as difficult as waging the war. The non- co-operating elements are bitter in their denunciation of the new administration ; their attitude may determine its fate, * * * *
