The Next Five Years: an Essay in Political Agreement

Abstract

LAST year two manifestos appeared in the Press under the title “Liberty and Democratic Leadership”. They represented in effect the expression of large schools of thought in all political parties of their abhorrence of and undemocratic forms of government, and their determination to solve present-day problems by methods of persuasion and without curtailment of liberty. Not content with mere manifestos of good intentions, a number of the signatories have now published this book which, they claim, presents a far-reaching but attainable programme of action for the next five years. Apparently, the signatories would welcome the formation of another National Government, the centre of gravity being nearer the left-centre than the one we have known since 1931. As to how this coalition is to be brought about, the book is silent. Be that as it may, it will be welcomed in all quarters as a successful attempt to display the vast agreement which exists as to the programmes that are necessary for the organisation of a world order freed from the menace of war, the development of an economic system freed from poverty and unemployment, the safeguarding of political liberty and the revitalisation of democratic government.

The Next Five Years: an Essay in Political Agreement

Pp. xvi + 320. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1935.) 5s. net.