The coalition government of Mr. Ramsay MacDonald and Mr. Lloyd George is visibly weakening. The Labourites are deserting it, and the Liberals are falling away. Mr. MacDonald may be able to carry on for a few weeks more; but his position is insecure, and the general election, which must come soon, will almost certainly bring about his downfall. His downfall will be deplored by none except extreme Socialists, for Mr. MacDonald has proved himself an honest, if somewhat visionary, statesman; and, though his domestic policy has been marred by blunders, he has conducted foreign affairs with skill and success. On the other hand, the country will welcome a change of government, because the Conservatives are certain to be both more efficient and more energetic in office than out of it. The new cabinet will be strong, because it will include men of proved capacity; and the nation will feel relieved to pass from a period of experiment to one of practical realities.
Original dispatch: Friday briefing: As Israel’s coalition collapses, can its prime minister hang on to power?