There are changes, of course, but Chamberlain’s defeat has turned out to be significantly less decisive than it initially seemed. Take the War Cabinet, for instance: of its five members, Chamberlain and Halifax represent ‘old blood’. Attlee and Greenwood, of course, represent ‘fresh blood’, but both are minor figures. The only independent figure is Churchill. As a result, unless nothing unexpected happens, the influence of ‘old blood’ in the War Cabinet should prove very powerful. Moreover, Chamberlain is still the leader of the Conservative Party and Margesson – the party’s chief whip. Simon may have been shifted to the Lords, but he gets the post of lord chancellor, while Kingsley Wood becomes chancellor of the exchequer. Of Chamberlain’s former ‘Inner Cabinet’, only Hoare remains without a job, but some lofty position will probably be found for him, too, in the near future.

On the other hand, however, a number of key posts in the government (though not in the War Cabinet) have been given to the ‘fresh blood’: Eden – secretary of state for war, Alexander – first lord of the Admiralty, Sinclair – secretary of state for air, Morrison – minister of supply, Bevin – minister of labour, and Dalton – minister of economic warfare. There is good reason to believe that in contrast to the de jure ‘War Cabinet’ consisting of the five individuals listed above, a de facto ‘War Cabinet’ will be created, composed of Churchill plus ministers from the key departments. And this second cabinet will prove far more influential than the first. Time will tell.

In the meantime, Churchill’s position is still not very secure. This was vividly demonstrated in parliament on 13 May. Various sources inform me that Chamberlain is currently far more occupied with fighting Churchill than with fighting Hitler. Sounds just like him.

One fact strikes me as especially symptomatic. If one leaves to one side the more or less decorative posts in the de jure War Cabinet, it is Labour that is in charge of the ministries of supply, labour and economic warfare. In other words, the British bourgeoisie has bestowed on Labour the ‘honour’ of exerting pressure on the proletariat and the neutral states. On the part of the bourgeoisie it’s a clever move – but on Labour’s?… Labour is performing its historical role.

Lloyd has been appointed secretary of state for the colonies and Amery – secretary of state for India. Two very important posts of our time. What policy will they pursue? Neither has shown himself to be a man of progressive views in this delicate sphere. But this is how Churchill, too, reveals his imperialist colours. Suffice it to recall his ‘mutiny’ against Hoare’s Indian constitution of 1934.

Nevertheless… this is a new government!

The nine-year rule of obtuse, short-sighted Tories such as Chamberlain and Baldwin has come to an end. These men are quite bankrupt, especially in the sphere of foreign and military policy. A coalition of more flexible and far-sighted Conservatives, like Churchill and Eden, has come to power, mixed with Labour and Liberal elements. The ‘old blood’ will make itself felt for some time yet, but there is much to suggest that we have just seen the back of the first, though not the last, government crisis of the war period.

I think the new government will pursue a more judicious policy towards the USSR, but to what extent? Only the future can tell.

Many in England are asking the question: hasn’t the Churchill government come to power too late to save the country? It’s a very serious question. But again, only the future will tell.