(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
The sensation of the day in the British press is the announcement of Sir Alfred Mond, leader of the Liberal Party and Minister of Public Works in the Lloyd George cabinet, that he will leave this party and will join the British Conservatives.
Lloyd George made a bitter remark concerning Sir Alfred’s announcement. “The real reason is given in that part of Sir Alfred Mond’s letter to Lord Asquith where he reveals his conviction that the Liberal Party offered poor prospects for an ambitious man.” Like other notorious members of his race, he has gone to his own place,” Lloyd George is quoted as having said.
The remark of Mr. Lloyd George, in using the expression, “gone to his own place” refers to the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles where a description is given of how the Apostles chose a successor to Judas Iscariot, who, the Acts say, “by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”
This remark caused considerable comment in London yesterday. The Liberals are angry at Sir Alfred for leaving the party. Conservatives have pointed out that Sir Alfred’s leaving the Liberals indicates the beginning of the crumbling of the party.
Many leading newspapers commented on the incident. The “Manchester Guardian” declares that “Mond’s secession is a matter of absolutely no political importance.” The “Daily News” in an editorial headed “Mond’s Conscience” says that there is nothing of the ethical in his action.
Sir Alfred Mond is resigning from his seat in parliament and will stand for election as a Conservative, it was declared. It was also rumored that he may join the Baldwin cabinet.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
