28Londonbefore War Murrow

As you know, the House of Commons meets tomorrow at 2.45 London Times. And I can tell you that the Prime Minister is being urged very strongly, not only to outline the recent exchange between Hitler and the British government, which so far remains a secret. But he has to date, then urged by certain opposition leaders to tell the whole story of the breakdown of negotiations with the Soviet Union.

If he does tell that story, which will be in for further support. Mr. Chamberlain has been told that Parliament will provide a good sounding board, but a full complete statement would convince doctors that he has no appetite for personal government, and is prepared to defend Britain's actions in the open.

He says, well, in large measures, he then whether or not he will defend the bond, whether or not he is received, as the third reply to Britain's message, which Sir Neville Henderson is now taking to Berlin by air.

On the whole, I should say that the possibility of avoiding law has not increased during the day. Government circle are in fact exceeding the pessimistic. But there is a general belief that the strategic position has improved, that Hitler has hesitated, that the Russians may betray the German.

You are already aware of the reaction in Tokyo and Madrid as a result of Hitler's retreat to Moscow. We are not yet certain of its full effect in Rome. Italy still has only a quarter of our army under arms.

And if war come, and Italy stands with the Germans, she will suffer more terrible havoc than with Germany. There is still hope that inter-mate laws and think again. There is still the possibility of a conference.