The Dominion FRIDAY, OCTOBER. 29, 1915 THE LORDS AND WAR POLICY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2605, 29 October 1915, Page 4

The Dominion FRIDAY, OCTOBER. 29, 1915 THE LORDS AND WAR POLICY

The debate in the House of Lords arising out of Lord Loeeburn's questions regarding the British military operations in the Balkans has afforded an opportunty for some of the most distinguished authorities on Empire and world problems to give public expression to their views on certain important aspects of the war. The outstanding ability and wide experience of men like Lord Gurzon, Lord Cromer, and Lord Lansdowse give a weight to their views which cannot be ignored, and their speeches compel attention. They arc in a position to take a broader and more independent line of thought than the majority of members of the House of Commons, whose utterances arc more directly influenced by the state of public opinion at the moment. In a great crisis like the present the British House of Peers is seen at its best. Though shorn of some of its powers and privileges, it remains in a ■ very real sense the Imperial Assembly. Its unique character reveals itself in such debates as that initiated by Lord Loreburn. One cannot read the report of the speeches dealing with recent developments in the Near East without being impressed with the gravity of the present situation. No definite answer was given to Lord Loreburn's questions, nor were the intentions of tho Government disclosed. It is an extremely difficult matter for a/Minister' to satisfy tho natural d.isire of Parliament and people for information as to the progress of events in the various theatres of war and at the same time to avoid disclosing facts that may prove useful to the enemy. Lord Loreburn admitted that the Government could not bo expected to divulge all its strategical plans, but he thought it might make a general statement regarding tho use which is being made of our troops. Loud Lansdowne appears to have done his best to satisfy LonD Lokeburk, but his statement was to general that it added ye« litt-w to the infor-

mation which newspaper readers already possess.

Load (Jhojier gave expression to a very widespread feeling when ho said the country wants something to show that the Government has a real grasp of the situation. The man in the street finds it extremely difficult to resist the belief that the responsible authorities arc not quite sure in their own minds as to the best methods of conducting tho war. Mistakes certainly have been made, but the information available to the public is not sufficient to enable a layman to pass judgment on the general strategy of the campaign. Wo cannot help being anxious at times concerning the coming events, but we must trust the Imperial Government and its military advisers. This is the only rational attitude to adopt. Any other must rand us in utter doubt and hopeless confusion. It would be most unreasonable to assume that because the authorities do not disclose their plans they have no plans to disclose. Wo may take it for granted that Me. Asquith, Loan Kitchener, and their colleagues know what they are doing, and wo ought' td 4 make every allowance for the tremendous difficulties which they have to overcome. At any given moment the attention of the public is apt to be concentrated on some particular aspect of the war, whereas the Government has to consider tho wholo position—the political and economic as well as the military sides, and also the moral effects of any given line of action. War strategy can only be fairly judged when it is understood as a whole. It must be judged by its ultimate results. Piecemeal judgments are liable to be very misleading. Perhaps it. would havo been wiser if Ministers had beon more communicative regarding the Government's plans of action, but on such matters they must he guided by the advice of their experts. Experience is showing the necessity of reducing the number of minds directly responsible for the conduct of tho campaign. .This would make for quickness in decision and promptness in action. There is a growing feeling that a Cabinet of twenty-two members'is too unwieldy for war I purposes. Such a multitude of coun- ' sellors can hardly be expected to bo of one mind about anything regarding which there is room for difference of opinion. This means indecision, hesitation, and delay. It is something to have the assurance of Lord Ctjrzon that the information of a smaller Cabinet is now receiving the attention of Mr. Asquith.