Foreign News: Elections Coming

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COMMONWEALTH (British Commonwealth of Nations)

The beating of tom-toms and the wild war cries of the Liberals continued throughout the past week. In ex-Premier Asquith's house, a Liberal war council was held. The Liberal chiefs decided not to support the Anglo-Russian Treaty (TIME, Aug. 18), when it comes before the House of Commons for approval. As this is a major Government issue, the MacDonald Cabinet is expected to resign. A general election will follow.

All this ex-Premier George had envisaged in his speech at Penmaenmawr (TIME, Sept. 22). There was, however, considerable discussion throughout Britain as to how far Mr. George spoke for the Liberal Party. Was he supported by Mr. Asquith, Mr. George's titular chief? Mr. George answered the question himself. Said he:

"I have the highest authority for saying that the leader of the party fully approves the action taken by me. . . ."

While general elections are certain to be held early in the winter, according to competent political observers, the main issues on which they are to be fought are obscure. Some think that the Russian Treaty will be amended and passed. The Irish bill (see below) is certain of passage. Labor's achievements, except for domestic policy, have been conspicuously successful. How, therefore, is the Labor Government to be ousted?

The truth is that the Anglo-Russian pact will, one way or another, cause the Labor beans to be spilled. Even if the Liberals succeed in getting a majority for their amendments to the Treaty, which is doubtful, the Labor Party will split and will itself cause the downfall of the Cabinet; for many strong men within the party have called for the passage of the Treaty, all the Treaty and nothing but the Treaty. Premier MacDonald, it was argued, would rather oppose the amendment than risk an internal explosion in his Party. The Liberals will almost certainly try to cause that explosion, for it may give them great and obvious advantage in the elections. Thus, whether or not the Liberals openly oppose the Treaty—and in the former case the extreme Labor and Conservative parties will join in opposition—the Labor lease of No. 10 Downing Street was considered to be expiring.