London, 10th September 1937.
London was abuzz with activity; a special session of parliament had been called, and there was only one item on the agenda – Italy. For the first time in his life, Neville Chamberlain had travelled via the air – an experience that was not likely to be forgotten. The graceful Short S.23 Empire flying boat wafted down onto the calm water with the ropes being thrown to land at Hythe in Kent. Almost as soon as the door was thrown open, the flash bulbs illuminated the quay and the screams and yells of journalists rang out. Stepping down the gangway Neville Chamberlain, followed closely by Viscount Halifax the Foreign Secretary. Gathered around the quay, Chamberlain announced to those gathered
“We have achieved what some said was impossible. We have achieved peace in Europe. We have made peace for the British Empire. If my honourable colleges in the House of Commons reject peace, then I have no choice but to ask His Majesty to dissolve parliament and I will call for a general election. I have here an agreement with Italy that will preserve the peace, and further the prosperity of the British Empire. Mr Eden would be wise not to oppose peace in Europe.” Chamberlain said as the crowd exploded with excitement.
The small convoy of jet black cars raced through the countryside top and tailed by a police escort.
“You know something Edward we are most certainly going to loose the vote in the commons this afternoon.” Chamberlain mused as he lit a cigarette.
“Surely all of this will have been for nothing Neville.” Replied Halifax.
“This is the perfect excuse we need to call a general election. Eden cannot be ignored, nor can he be left to rot on the benches. He will be destroyed in this election. He stands for nothing, his joke of a party stands for nothing. We will destroy the bastard in the process.” Chamberlain said almost mockingly. Halifax sighed at the dramatics.
“You seem a little apprehensive Edward.” Chamberlain purred.
“Its not that Neville. Can we win a general election?” He said softly.
“Without a doubt, without a doubt, there is no possibility that we can loose. A vote against us is a vote against peace.” Chamberlain chortled. If a general election were called, it would be dominated by foreign affairs.
“We will say that Eden shall go down in history as responsible for an inevitably destructive war without doing anything to prevent it. The press will love that.” Chamberlain murmured as the car sped along the road. Soon to arrive in London, for a showdown that would become a landmark of the political scene in the 1930s.
The House of Commons was almost bursting at the seems with activity, members piled one after an other, and as the speaker commenced the session, there was an icy stare between Chamberlain and Eden.
“Prime Minister.” The speaker said solemnly.
“Right honourable members of the house. The promulgation of peace has been a government policy, and will remain rightly so. In order to maintain peace and prevent the catastrophic nature of war, we must face that in the interests of Britain, the nation of Italy must be courted. Regardless of the feelings towards Italy, this treaty which must be ratified, will prevent any European war. A vote against this treaty is a vote against peace. A vote for war and destruction. A vote for the end civilization.” Was Chamberlain's opening statement. For more than three hours, the heated debate swung back and fourth in the house, with Chamberlain and Eden exchanging heated views, with Labour reduced to the occasional remark between the two verbal warriors. Finally the call came and the house split.
It was nearing the early evening when Chamberlain emerged from Number Ten to the awaiting press.
“I have only a short statement to make. The people of Great Britain will go to the polls three weeks from tomorrow. That is all.”
