NEWS OF THE WEEK THOUGH the peace plan debate in
the House of Commons took place too late for comment here last week it is relatively ancient history by now. It is almost true to say that nothing in Sir Samuel Hoare's tenure of office became him like the leaving of it, for his resignation speech was moving and impressive. But it was not the one thing it needec. to be if his attitude was • to be justified—convincing, and the Housewas, in fact,-not convinced by it. For the House was not willing to accept Sir Samuel's main premiss, that it Was desirable to meet a. threat of further aggression by Italy (this time against Great Britain) by further concessions to her at Abyssinia's expense. Under Mr. Eden the- policy enunciated by Sir Samuel in his speech to the League Assembly will hold the field, Sanctions, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer has stated, will continue. They may, or may not, be intensified. Soundings very properly taken by the British Government ..among other European States. whose power would be felt in and about the Mediterranean suggest that Italy will be acting suicidally if she seeks to widen the area of conflict.. It is to be noted that American exports of oil to Italy are increasing, and there is no conceivable reason why they should not be if League States them- selves are content to send petrol to Italian ports. But whatever further steps may be taken in the matter of sanctions their purpose will be not to penalise Italy but to end the war and enable constructive co-operation in Europe to be resumed.
