Possible Clues:

• Merciful post-war prime minister, say?
• Mild Liberal getting stick all round
• Uncle mentioned drinking mild
• Bond cut by M's predecessor? That's fair
• Mild Liberal breaking stick
• The French fellows in court showing mercy
• Merciful, the French guys in court
• Kind of glue covering bottom of label
• Fine dash of liquor in what could become the hard stuff?
• Balmy