WAR STATEMENT DEBATED

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2611, 5 November 1915, Page 5

WAR STATEMENT DEBATED

THE DARDANELLES

FAILURE

GENERALS CASHIERED

COMPULSORY SERVICE

ISSUE

Bj Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, November 3. During tho course of the deflate in the House of Commons on Mr. Asquith's statement, Mr. L. Amery (Unionist) condoinned tho Government's refusal to face facts in the Near East.

Sir H. J. Dalziell (Liberal) said they had been told a general had been retired for his work at tho Dardanelles, but actually, four generals had been retired. It had been asserted,- ou the authority of a inembor of the House of Commons, that a number of our men at the Dardanelles had died of thirst, and that tho man responsible was still in the service. . The Eight Hon. H. Chaplin (Unionist) said he was ; unable to understand Mr. Asquith's opinion that national service would be unworkable except 'by general consent. The Contraband List.. Mr. B. M. Pollock (Unionist) and four other members gave notice of motion demanding that all fat producers, oils of every description, and oil-bear-ing seeds, nuts and kernels, should be declared absolute contraband, and urging the Premier to extend the list of contraband and enforce an effective blockade. Lord Robert Cecil (Under-Secrotary for Foreign Affairs) said it was essential to stop Germany's export trade. She would then be unable to pay for her imports. American statistics showed that we had stopped 96 per cent, of the exports. The blockade had been a great success; moreover, it had been carried out without serious trouble with neutral Powers. Tho imports of cotton into Germany practically ceased on June 1. ■

Mr. Churchill's Trafalgar Day Letter,

In connection with the recent rumour that Mr. Churchill was resigning his seat in the Cabinet, a noteworthy indication being his absence from' the House of Commons when Mr. P. A. Molteno's question to him. was formerly put, inquiring what Mr. Churchill referred to in his Trafalgar Day letter, when he used the words: "Through our Ion;; delays the enemy has seized a new initiative in the Near East." Air. Churchill explained during the debate that he had referred to delays incidental to joint action in military and dinlomatic affairs by the various Allied Governments, who shared the responsibility. Mr. Asquith announced a further vote of credit for next week. THE NEW WAR COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF FIVE PREDICTED London, November 3, It is expected in the lobbies that the new War Council will include Mr. Asquith, Lord Kitchener, Mr. Lloyd George, Sir Edward Grey, and Mr. Balfour. DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS FREE CRITICISM DEMANDED (Rec. November 4, 9.40 p.m.) London, November i. Lord Midleton, in the House of Lords, gave notice to ask the Government to exercise more effective supervision over and control of naval and military expenditure. Lord St. Davids explained that his reason for suggesting' the ■ summoning of the Privy Council was to endeavour to find a suitable place to criticise tho action of the Government. We had, ho said, reached a point where criticism was very necessary. Tho Coalition had not led to a noticeable increase in vigour in the prosecution of the war, but it had effectively killed Parliamentary Opposition. Both France and Russia wero changing their Governments with a view to getting the most perfect instrument to carry out the war. No man had a right to a place in the Government by reason of rank or wealth; the only test should be his usefulness. By this test great changes would be necessary in high places. Lord Willoughby de Broke said Parliament was the proper place to discuss the question. Mr. Aeqnith's speech had not enlightened any intelligent person. If they could get rid of the Grand Duke Nicholas in the middle of the war, they could get rid of Mr. Asquith. The News Censorship. Lord Morley asked whether the Government would prevent the censor from interfering with news unless it was such as would bo calculated to prejudice the naval and military operations. He deplored the effect which was being produced upon neutral countries t>y ostrichliko activities and childish insincerities of the censorship. The provocation which was being caused by this interference with the publication! of news was universal. Everything which made the enemy think wo were afraid encouraged him. He referred to the Walcheren expedition of 1809, and the subsequent Committeo of Inquiry. If the Dardanelles became as unfortunate he believed that Parliament would not hesitate to ask for papers, and take other steps. . Tho Lord Chancellor said that a strict and vigorous censorship was required for the safety aud protection of the troops. The world at the prosent moment was as a whispering gallery. Lord Crewe, replying on behalf _of the Government, pointed out the difficulties of calling the Privy Council together. If they desired a full inquiry into the Dardanelles campaign and other features of the war, when tho proper time came wa would not shrink from it. Lord Willoughby do Broke asked whether any treaty between Bulgaria and Germany had been made last March. • |

Lord Crewo replied: r 'We have very strong reason to believe that such a Ereaty exists, although wo aro not in possession of its actual terms." [An abortive expedition dispatehed by England to tl'io Island of AValoheren in 1809 had for its object the capture of Antwerp and the destruction of the French fleet in tho Seholdt. The expedition captured Flushing, but had no further succoss, and .was withdrawn within tho year, the major portion of the force having been incapacitated by fever.]

COMMENT ON MR. ASQUITH'S

STATEMENT

A POLL OP THE PRESS

London, November 3. Tlir "Time?" w ,ys khiit Mr, Asquith'n "Wfleh k ft KMBipv of shortcomings and

the acceptance of responsibility. The Premier said that the situation called for patience and courage. There are three other essential qualities—foresight, initiative), «nd energy—which hitherto have been conspicuously lacking in tha Government. "UNPRINCIPLED FAULTFINDERS." (Rec. November 4, 10.30 p.m.) London, November 4. The "Daily Chronicle" defends Mr. Asquith from the attacks of the Northcliff o Press, and refers to tho "hysterical cavillings of unprincipled faultfinders," adding: "Inconsistency pervades the whole glib talk of blunders and miscalculations which are tho staple of tho Northclilfo Press, and the pack of disappointed minor politicians, Lord Milnor, Lord Charles Beresford, and others, who yelp in chorus at their heels." "OPINION" IN NEW ZEALAND (Rec. November 4, 10.30 p.m.) London, November 4. Tho "Daily Mail's Christchurch (New Zealand) correspondent says that it is felt in the Dominion that Mr. Asquith is unfitted by temperament to guide Britain through a great war, but he recognises that the Government must bo trusted. . CABINET DIFFERENCES RUMOURED OPPOSITION BY MR. BONAR LAW (Rec. November' 4, 9.10 p.m.) London, November 4. The "Globe" states that Mr. Bonar Law was in almost complete agreement with Sir Edward Carson, and had intended to resign at the same time as the latter did, but was induced to reconsider his decision. FRANCE AND THE BALKANS IN COMPLETE ACCORD WITH BRITAIN Paris, November 3. M. Briand, the Prime Minister, spoaking in the Chamber of Deputies, said: "We came to a complete agreement with tho British Government regarding military operations in tho Balkans. Tho Allies will not abandon the heroic Ser-' vians, whose resistance ills the world with admiration." SOLIDLY DETERMINED. Paris, November 3. M. Briand (tho French Premier) and M. Viviani (ox-Premier, now Minister of Justice), in a Ministerial declaration in tho Chamber aud Senate respectively, stated that the Government was aiming to secure the close and ceaseless co-operation and activities of all Frenchmen. Any failure to maintain discipline would be well and vigorously repressed, and all mistakes and failures punished. They intend to co-operate with the Press, giving all the war information that a demooraoy can rightly demand, "France will not sign peace until the enemy has been reduced to impotence, and we have obtained all the guarantees of a lasting peace. Every day increases the solidarity of the Allies, but co-ordination can still be made more complete and more prompt. Tho visits of General Joffre to Italy and Britain havo already enablod the Allies to better concert their present and approaching actions."

"WE HAVE THE AVILL TO • CONQUER." (Rec. November 4, 9.10 p.m.)

Paris, Novembor 4. The French Premier (M. Briand), replying to Serbia's appeal to Franco, says: "At the very lirst moment wo sent help. Germany's enterprises in the Balkans attest lior failure in tho principal theatres. Hostilities have been attempted in this division because the enemy's offensive has been shattered in Franco and Russia. Germany is hiding these indications of weakness under an appearance of strength, but her hopes will be disappointed. Sho may postpone defeat, but she cannot avert it. Tho enemy has no need to reckon on our "lassitude and faintheartedness. We have the will to conquer, and will conquer."

STIRRING SCENES,

(Rec. November 4, 10.30 p.m.)

. Paris, November 4. There were stirring scenes in the Chamber after M. Briaud had delivered his statement. Replying to M. Renaudel, a Socialist deputy, who asked that when peace was signed France should have no idea of conquest, M. Briand, in a fiery oration, declared that France had never been a bird of prey which would crush free peoples. Peace was still far away. "When peace is signed," he declared, "it will be a solid peace, based on justice and liberty." The deputies cheered for several minutes, and ordered that the speech should be placarded. A motion of confidence in tho Government was carried by 517 votes to 1. THE SUPPLY OF MUNITIONS STATEMENT BY MR. LLOYD GEORGE (Rec. November 4, 10.30 p.m.) London, November 4. , Mr. Lloyd George (Minister of Munitions), speaking in the House of Commons, said that there were now 1316 controlled munition shops in Britain. Tho Government would take over the Waltham, Enfield, and Woolwich ar-' senals; He hoped to make a statement shortly oil the progress of tho work. DOMINION STATESMEN IN LONDON THE COMING CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, November 3. Commenting on the statement that Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward are coming to England to consult with the Imperial Government, tho "Times" hopes that representatives of other Dominions will be present. Tho High Commissioner reports:— London, November 4, 1.5 a.m. "The Times," in a leader commenting on the coming visit.of the Hon. W. F. Massey (Premier of New Zealand) and Sir J. G. Ward (N,Z. Finance Minister) to London, states: "Thev will come as representatives of all sections of opinion in tho Dominion. The coming of Mr. Massey and Sir J. G. Ward is very much to the good, and their decision is a tribute to Mr. Bonar Law's control of the Colonial Office. We may hazard a guess that initiative has come from him (Mr. Bonar Law). If so, he.is to be congratulated."