IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT'S CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2466, 20 May 1915, Page 5

IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT'S CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

CABINET CHANGES RUMOURED MR. CHURCHILL AND LORD FISHER AT VARIANCE (By Telegraph—Press Assn.— I Copyright.) London, May 18. The Lobby is full of rumours regarding impending Government changes. Some suggest that a War Council should be instituted, including both parties. The "Pall Mall Gazette" says that Lord Fisher (First Sea Lord) did not approve of the employment of a fleet alone in the Dardanelles, but did not put down bis foot, so was involved in the common responsibility with the rest of the Board at the Admiralty. _ Lord Fisher had then demanded a new method of Admiralty administration, resulting in his resignation. The King gave him an audience on Saturday, after which Lord Fisher went to Scot-' land. The real trouble was the impossibility of two strong personalities working together. The crisis had now made Mr. Churchill's retention of his present post impossible, and necessitates tho formation of a National Ministry. It is understood the chief Opposition leaders have agreed to enter tho Government. The "Gazette" suggests that Mr. Asquith should continue as Premier, and that Mr. Balfour should become First Lord of the Admiralty. "The latter has already done much work for the Navy, having a private room at tho Admiralty. Probably Mr. Churchill would go to the India Office, the Marquis of Crewe remaining President of the Council. If Lord Kitchener goes to the front, Mr. Lloyd George ought to be-War Minister,-Mr. Bonar Law Chancellor of the Exohequer, Mr. Austen Chamberlain. Mr. F. E. Smith, and the Earl of Derby, and possibly Mr. Arthur Henderson (Labour), also joining the Cabinet. The Marquis •of Lansdowne's health prevents his joining. ADMIRALTY THE CHIEF STORM CENTRE. (Rec. May 19, 6 p.m.) m . London, May 18. The London "Times," m a leading article, states that rumours which are prevalent m London confirm the popular impression that the Government and the nation are restless, possibly anxious. The Government is anxious because of the widespread and searching criticism regarding its control of the warthe nation is anxious because it is not satisfied that the Government is conducting the war with efficiency and success. "One cannot wonder at the doubts of the nation, which sees the struggle fiercer in every theatre, and hears vaguely of huge casualties in Franco and in the Dardanelles. The facts about the supply of munitions have caused much perturbation. "The Admiralty is the chief storm centre. There havo been repeated, and categorical charges that Mr. Churchill has been assuming responsibility and er "rfL *iif ex !? or . t We have hitherto remained silent because of Mr. Churchill s admirable administration before the war. and also his prompt mobilisation of the Fleet, but wo can no longer keep silence, because these qualities which have served them in peace may prove rash, with dangerous consequences, m war. "When a Minister persistently seeks to grasp at power which should not pass to his unguided hands, it is time that his colleagues in the Cabinet should take definite action. It is.necessary that tho technical conduct of the war snould be entrusted to soldiers arid seamen in whom the countrv has confidence. One obvious solution of the difficulty is to place Lord Fisher at the head of the Admiralty necessity, it is probable, will be settled without delay-"—( Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) RESIGNATIONS AND ACCEPTANCES STATEMENT BY A LIBERAL NEWSPAPER. (Rec. May 19, 7.40 p.m.) The "Daily Chronicle" (Liberal) states that a Nationa^ o "^"^™^'!; 9 ' is bfling formed, and that the resignations from Mr. Asquith's Cabinet include: Earl Haldane, Lord Chancellor. Mr. Lewis Harcourt, Secretary of State for the Colonics. Mr. Augustine Birrell, Chief Secretary for Ireland. Lord Lucas. President of th« .Hoard of Agriculture. Lord Beauchamp, Lord Preside'H, of -the Council. Mr. J. A. Peace, President of t Board of Education. Mr. C. E. Hobhouse, Postmas'<ar-General. The "Chronicle" adds that tho foil nving have accepted office:— Mr. Bonar Law (Leader of the T "nionist Part.v and Secretary to (ho Board of Trade in the Bal our Ministry). Mr. A. J. Balfour (Prime Jlinistcr in the previous Dnionist Adminir- . t rat ion). * Mr. Austen Chamberlain (Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Balfour Ministry). The Karl of Derby (Postmaster-General (when Lord Stanley! in the Balfour Ministry). Mr. Walter Long (President of the Local Government Board in the Balfour Ministry 1 ). Mr. F. E. Smith, TC.C. (Unionist member for the Walton Division of Liverpool, and lately head of the War Prnss Bureau).

MR. HARCOUBT MAY GO TO INDIA. (Rec. May 19, 11.46 p.m.) London, May li). The "Daily Chronicle" suggests tliat Mr. Harcourt is likely to succeed Lord Hardinge as Viceroy of India. . .. The ''Daily News" (Liberal) admits that Cabinet reconstruction is possible. but; does not believe that the Opposition leaders desire n coalition Ministry. MR. CHURCHILL AND LORD FISHER BOTH RESIGNED (Rec. May 20, 1.30 a.m.) London, May 19. The "Standard" states that Mr. Churchill's resignation followed Lord Fisher's. Mr. Asquith is strenuously trying to retain Lord I'ishcr without losing Mr. Churchill.