The Cabinet Changes The latest changes in the Cabinet will
not wholly satisfy public opinion. The more the Cabinet changes, the more it remains the same. Yet it is agreed by friends and opponents of the Government that what is most needed is the addition of men with executive capacities of the highest order. The appointment of Sir John Anderson as Lord Privy Seal is certainly a step in the right direction ; but it is noticeable that no special Ministry has been created for him, and it is doubtful if he will have either the staff or the extensive powers necessary for the task, of reorganising civilian defence, which he has been assigned. Moreover since it is essential to satisfy the public that civilian defence is really being taken in hand in earnest, it is important to give the impression that this is really happening ; the creation of a special department would effect that as the appointment of a Lord Privy Seal with special duties does not. Apart from Sir John, there has been no increase in the kind of talent demanded by the immense task of rearmament which, on its own con- fession, the Government has so far failed to discharge. The changes as a whole are hardly calculated to create the national unity and increased public confidence on which the Government should be able to count at the present time.
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