Under Fire

Home Secretary Sir John Anderson got a great reputation while he was Governor of Bengal (1932-37) for taking three attempts on his life with a stiff upper lip. After he was appointed to the Cabinet 14 months ago, he was bitterly criticized for the way he coordinated A. R. P., emergency transport, evacuation; but no one could say he was not a stout fellow under fire.

Last week, not in Bengal but in Edinburgh, Sir John was under fire again. He rose to speak at a city corporation luncheon. As he warned his hearers that the war had really not yet begun, he was handed a telegram: URGENT. WOMEN IN EDINBURGH WANT PEACE. Sir John cleared his throat, went on to say that Germany would be a cruel enemy. Another telegram arrived: URGENT. WOMEN IN EDINBURGH WANT PEACE. Sir John took a sip of water, and said in a firm voice that there must be no letdown in defensive precautions. Then came another telegram, identical. They kept on coming.

The spirited ladies of the Scottish Women's Peace Movement meeting on the other side of town had decided to fusillade him and get him to say something for their cause. Finally, so many telegrams piled up on Sir John's table that he had to interrupt his speech to explain to his audience. Having done so he demanded sarcastically:

"Who doesn't want peace? I want peace."

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