‘I know that Henderson has a convention worked out and which he intends to put before the Conference when it is at its last gasp. This would not suit us at all (i) because of political reaction at home (ii) because from what little I hear his Convention would prove unacceptable to us. We should then be on the defensive, the victim and not the hero’.

‘I am glad to know that I correctly interpret your sentiments when I say that the object of the Ballot was by no means to criticise the Government…but rather to show the Government that we have a large volume of public opinion behind us in the efforts which we are today making to maintain the authority of the League of Nations…The League of Nations remains, as I said in a speech in Yorkshire, “the best sheet-anchor of British policy”.’ Baldwin, at meeting with the National Declaration Committee to present the result of the Peace Ballot and the Resolution passed at the Albert Hall on June 27, July 23 1935.

‘I am bound to recognise that, if I supply the policy and the drive, S.B. does also supply something that is perhaps even more valuable in retaining the floating vote’.