LATE NEWS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2481, 7 June 1915, Page 5

LATE NEWS

MR CHURCHILL'S SPEECH AT DUNDEE CONFIDENCE IN THE PUBLIC (Reo. June 7, 0.20 a.m.) London. June 5. Mr. Winston Churcliill (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster), in a speech at Dundeo, said that it was not intended to embark on explanations, re-* proaches, and recriminations. The years succeeding the Agadir crisis, when Mr. Asquith charged him to place the Fleet in instant and constant roadii ness for war, constituted tlio most important period in our naval history. Ho had done his best, and the archives of the Admiralty would show the cart he played, and he Jus defence. 'The terrible dangers which existed at the beginning of the war were over. The seas had been swept clear, and everything was in perfect order: Nearly everything had been foreseen. They had taken their foes' measures and had only to go forward witli confidence. He was glad that Mr. Balfour was able to take up the task. The operations at the Dardanelles would give him tlio opportunity of showing those qualities of calm courage and inflexibility which had prevented Lady smith being left to its fato. In regard to the Dardanelles, we must expect losses on land and sea, but the fleet employed was a surplus fleet, after _ all other needs had been provided for. It was presumptions in anyone to suppose that Lord Kitchener had embarked on the Dardanelles campaign without thoroughly and carefully considering every requirement in relation to the par.v mount needs of tho Army in France and Flanders. Li looking at tlie losses, we must not forget the prize for which we were contending. The forces were within a few miles of a victory such as this war had not yet seen. When it cam© it would make amends for all. It was the duty of the Press to sustain the public confidence. He condemued newspaper attacks on responsible leaders in the field or at home. Any criticism should be inParliament. He regretted the Liberal Government had not had an opportunity of statiug its case. It would hava been found that Lord Kitchener has a strong case for the War Oißce, and he (Mr. Churchill) might have had something to say for the Admiralty. The nation expected from the new Cabinet action, not hesitation. They must act now and we must act with courage and trust the people. If it is impossible to win the war without compulsion he would support it, but he did not believo it would be found necessary, certainly it ; was unnecessary now. The whole nation must organise in order to gain a decisive victory. The nation must be Socialised. The Government in some form must make sure'of every man and woman in every,; rank to do their fair share, for tho li.itioii 'must bend anew together for the supreme effort. The times are hard, but tho need is dire. Europe's agony is .infinite, but the might of Britain will be hurled unitedly; and be irresistible. We have a great reserve for tho Allied cause, in. that reserve we .must march as one man. (Cheers.)