January 10, 1956
MACMILLAN PREMIERSHIP: London, 10 – Harold Macmillan, chancellor of the Exchequer in the government of Anthony Eden, who has resigned his post as prime minister, has been sworn in as Eden’s replacement. An official statement was issued by Buckingham Palace, where Macmillan was invited to form a government. The announcement gave rise to much astonishment and disappointment among the younger members of the Conservative Party, who had expected R.A. «Rab» Butler to be given the post. Upon leaving the palace, Macmillan told the press he would not be holding elections and immediately began talks to form a government, which is likely to be announced on Monday. It was not known whether Butler, who held the post of lord privy seal in the Eden government, will be a member of the new Cabinet. Macmillan’s appointment is a victory for the party’s right wing. No great change is expected in foreign policy, given that Macmillan was one of the strongest supporters of the Egyptian campaign and generally a supporter of colonial policy. He is expected, however, to revive relations with the USA.
