Rebel's Return

Two and a half years ago stormy Aneurin Bevan scrambled over Labor Party Leader Clement Attlee's feet to the dispatch box and denounced Attlee's acceptance of SEATO as a "surrender to American pressure," and angrily resigned forthwith from the party's inner leadership, known as the Shadow Cabinet.*

Two years ago he denounced his arch right-wing rival Hugh Gaitskell as a "desiccated calculating machine," and vowed, "I'll fight the blighter year after year if necessary."

Eighteen months ago Bevan's defiance became so blatant and outspoken that Gaitskell and his supporters demanded his expulsion from the party and were almost successful. Only ten months ago Bevan angrily declared that the Labor Party is no longer Socialist and called its leadership "a travesty of democracy."

But since then angry Nye Bevan has moderated his tone and sobered his expressions. Made Colonial Secretary in the Shadow Cabinet as a sort of consolation prize, he handled the assignment with humanity, indefatigable curiosity and parliamentary skill, demonstrating what his able mind can do when he checks his flamboyant gift for invective and extravagant statement. Gaitskell, now Attlee's successor, was visibly impressed. The Suez issue united them in anger against Tory imperialism. Many in the House believed that Bevan handled the Suez case against Eden more effectively than Gaitskell himself, and they savored the jest that he was a fine one to be expressing concern about U.S. displeasure.

Last week, subduing whatever private misgivings he may have, Gaitskell acknowledged Nye's increased prestige by appointing him Foreign Secretary in the Shadow Cabinet. Said the Economist, guardedly saluting the new Nye: "Mr. Bevan has a mandate for mellowness, not for unorthodoxy. His appointment should not frighten the country."

* Shadow Cabinet members officially express the opposition's position in their field, are the most likely candidates to become ministers if the opposition returns to power.

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