FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Collected speeches of a statesman who has been close to European foreign affairs for a matter of some fifteen years. His maiden speech in 1924 through to his final speech before the House in 1938 show progressively a keen understanding of the peril Europe -- and England -- was facing, the need for understanding and preparedness. Sincerity, idealism and a practical approach are indicated in sane balance, and the final record shows the political development in the early stages of the challenge and poses the problem of acceptance of some form of authority along lines of international order. Eden is not an inspired speaker, but he puts his point over. It is disappointing to find nothing more revealing in regard to his withdrawal, nothing illuminating as to his stand on controversial points. The speeches are perhaps too guarded. One could wish he might have added something from the period that has elapsed since his resignation, other than the disappointing American speech.