Daily Telegraphi
2 1 AUG 1945
MR. BEVIN read carefully from his manuscript in his first speech to the Commons as Foreign Secretary. As sometimes happens, however, when it is specially im- portant to adhere to pondered phraseology, something went wrong.
When he came to the passage in his speech relating to Hongkong Mr. Bevin suddenly paused, made as if to go on, then came to a stop. A section of the manuscript was miss- ing. Mr. Noel-Baker, Minister of State, who also held a copy of the speech in his hands, possibly to prompt his chief in case of necessity, did not fulfil this function.
His copy, too, must have been in- complete. So Mr. Bevin filled in the gap extempore, but did not seem too happy about it.
Absent Diplomats
The Foreign Secretary spoke to a House crowded in every part except in that portion of the gallery reserved for members of the Diplo- matic Corps. Considering the im- portance of the occasion, à first big speech on policy by a Socialist Foreign Secretary, the small attend- ance of Ambassadors and Ministers was remarkable.
Only the representatives of Argen- tina, Greece and Portugal were present. Members were pleased with Mr. Bevin's review. It has confirmed their expectation on the continuity of foreign policy.
There could, indeed. be no other course, having regard to Mr. Eden's subsequent revelation that in the four years during which he and Mr. Bevin were in the Cabinet together there was no difference between them on any important issue of foreign policy.
54145/45
MISS CANNE BELL
R204
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