[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] SIR,—Mr. Leyton Richards coMplains
that in suggesting in my Parliamentary notes that the Labour Party Should agree to support rearmament in return for a drastic reconstruction of the Distressed Areas I am asking pacifists to "compound a felony." My remarks were not addressed to pacifists but to Mr. Attlee, the Leader of the Labour Party, who has been care- ful to explain that he does not accept the pacifist position. Only a fortnight ago on May 21st on the defence debate, Mr. Attlee expressly stated on behalf of his Party' that this country must have adequate defences in order to play its part in collective security." If it is a felony to be in favour of an
efficient army, navy, . and air force, it is one that the LabourParty have already committed.
The difference between the Labour Party and the Govern- ment supporters on the question of rearmament is not one of principle but of degree. The Labour Party admit the necessity for defence forces, but at the same time they make a parade of opposition to the rearmament programme in order to bam- boozle the powerful pacifist vote into, believing that they stilt represent their- views. The letters of Mr. Leyton Richards and Mr. John Morrison, who also accused me of advocating "the complete capitulation of a. principle to political expediency", illustrate the measure of success that the Labour Party continues to achieve in their efforts to hunt with the armament hounds and run with the pacifist rabbits.—! am, Sir, YOUR PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPONDENT.
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