"Revolution?"

Six months ago in Washington, a squat dynamo of a man, full of strange contradictions and flashing talents, urged increased U.S. production of everything from bacon to bombers. "Bottlenecks, to me," explained Lord Beaverbrook, "used to symbolize pleasure--now they're a pain in the neck." Last week, Max Aitken, once of New Castle, N.B., now Lord Beaverbrook of London, stuck his neck out for new pains. He became Minister of War Production.

By giving Beaverbrook the second most important job in Britain, Prime Minister Winston Churchill answered in part the demands for War Cabinet reform which began eight months ago.

Lost in the shuffle was Labor Minister Ernest Bevin, conservative Laborite who was built up in early war days as the "strong man" of the people. Offered a "new job," Ernie Bevin beamed, thinking he was to become production chief, then huffily refused the Ministry of Health.

These were the surface events. Meanwhile there were volcanic rumblings in the politics of a hard-pressed Empire.

Not since 1776 have Americans been much interested in British politics. Few U.S. folk today know how Parliament works or whether the British have a constitution for their "constitutional mon archy."* But before 1942 is out, what happens politically in England may have grave consequences in the U.S. and to the United Nations' effort.

The question in blunt terms--blunter than England ever likes to be--is whether Britain is going Socialist permanently. Last week a sign of this "revolution" loomed high above the horizon in the shape of Sir Stafford Cripps's well-molded head, lighted by his fierce black eyes. Sir Stafford, home from Russia, which he intensely admires in peace no less than in war, made clear that he proposed to be the head of the opposition to Churchill. With Englishmen saddened by their own defeats and praying for Red victories, Sir Stafford had a beautiful tactical position. Whether he would be merely a useful goad to spur Britain on, or whether he represented the coming Socialist revolution, remained to be seen. And there would be no more vitally interested spectators than the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

*They don't. The famed British Constitution consists of all the laws ever passed by Parliament--unless repealed. The whole thing could be abolished in a few hours--and several times has been, not counting the time when King Charles I was beheaded.

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