LORD HIDDELL'S INTIMATE DIARY OF [October i9u

the mines for their own benefit, and referred to statements
made by Hodges,1 one of their leaders." It is not nationalisation
that they really want/' said L. G., "it is ( guildism ' or syndi-
calism/'

I described my interview this week with Hartshorn, who
told me that the miners are bent on nationalisation and that it is
a religion with them. It is difficult to argue about a religion.
A Scottish Colonel who had commanded a miners' regiment
during the war also described his men's belief in nationalisation
as a religion.

" Look here," said L. G. after dinner. " If you were Prime
Minister and you had to make a big speech this week, what
would you say ? "

R. (laughing) : Luckily I am not Prime Minister. If I were
I think I should point to the financial position of the country
and the necessity for united effort by all classes. I should
indicate the necessity for economy, not only political but
individual. I should also emphasise the importance of reviving
Parliament, the Cabinet, political meetings, and all the ordinary
paraphernalia of our public life.

L. G. : That is not so bad. I have thought of saying several
different things. One thing I thought of saying was that the
Press and public must stop nagging at men holding high
positions. If it goes on, I can't keep some of the most useful
Ministers. Eric Geddes is going. He says he can't and won't
stand it.

R. : When at Deauville I told you he was on the point of
going, but you would not believe me. I doubt the advisability
of doing what you suggest. Why challenge the Press to justify
their action ? You are sure to have criticism. You will only
intensify it.

L. G. : There is perhaps a good deal in what you say.
R. : The best reply is efficient administration. The
public are bent on economy, and quite rightly. Let the Govern-
ment show a substantial reduction in their expenditure. In my
opinion four things are essential : (i) the revival of public
interest in Parliament, coupled with a revival of Parliamentary

1 Frank Hodges, General Secretary, Miners' Federation of Great Britain,

1918-24,

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