On this occasion it was the Liberal Opposition who had
called for the Foreign Office vote. They felt that most of the debates on foreign affairs during the session had been confined to single issues and that a general review of British foreign policy was desirable before Parliament rose. Most of those who heard the speeches must have shared their opinion. It was one of the most valuable discussions on international affairs that the House has listened to in recent years. Sir Archibald Sinclair opened with an admirable re-statement of the Opposition attitude. Referring to the war in the Far East, he laid particular emphasis on the support accorded by Lord Halifax to the League of Nations resolution asking member States to . extend aid to China. In Europe he believed that we must stand firm now for our principles if we were to avoid having to choose later on between war and submission. The Prime Minister, who followed, was listened to with far less im- patience than usual by the Opposition parties.
* * * *
Previous page
