The Week in Parliament Our Parliamentary Correspondent writes : In
pre-War days a debate on foreign affairs was a rare occurrence. One or two per year was the limit. Nowadays it is strange, indeed, if there is an interval of more than two or three weeks between each debate on this subject. Everything else has become of secondary importance. Whereas in the old days a mere handful of members specialised in foreign affairs, now every member counts himself a specialist. There is no difference in the desire of each party in the House. The unanimous desire is for peace. The only difference expressed is how to achieve this end. This was illustrated in last Friday's debate. The situation in Spain, particularly as it was affected by the ' Leipzig' incident, was the main topic. The Foreign Secretary, who shows signs of the weight of responsibility he is bearing, made a serious appeal to the House to do and say nothing that would aggravate the situa- tion. Mr. Eden appears to believe that time is his greatest ally, and that sooner or later sober opinions and calm action must prevail. On the other hand, Mr. Attlee and Mr. Lloyd George believe that the situation is gradually growing worse, and that those who act in defiance of international law should be handled with vigour and decision. To fail to do this, they argue, will inevitably lead to a catastrophe sooner or later. The ordinary member is bewildered by the quick march of events, and by the new methods of diplomacy carried on in dictator countries. He resents their high- handed action, but feels that in spite of all provocation patience is a virtue which carries its own reward.
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