29 SEPTEMBER 1939, Page 6

It is curious, and from many points of view unfortunate,

that not a single public speech should have been delivered by the Prime Minister, or any of his principal colleagues, since the war began. Perhaps they are just impending. In 1914 Mr. Asquith spoke at the Guildhall exactly a month to a day after the declaration of war, and in the same month, Septem- ber, he, Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Churchill spoke frequently in different parts of the country. It is a little difficult to know why speeches of this type have so much greater effect than speeches in Parliament or on the wireless. but the .fact remains that they have, and Ministers, despite their many duties, should not forget that.