It is not uncommon nowadays to hear Conservatives of the
orthodox type extolling Mr. Chamberlain as against Lord Baldwin. They feel that there has been a greater sense of realism, especially in the conduct of foreign affairs, since the change-over last year. But the passing of Lord Baldwin, and still more that of Mr. Eden, is regarded with deep regret by the left wing of the party. This section may be small in Parliamentary numbers, but its influence is important. It represents far more than the Liberal National or National Labour groups those liberal elements (with a small 1) which supported the Government in 1931 and 1935, but which have no particular attachment to the Conservative label and which could never support a policy of unadulterated Toryism. Of Mr. Chamberlain's administration it may fairly be said that it has fewer friends than its predecessor.
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