CORRESPONDENCE PUBLISHED

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2619, 15 November 1915, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE PUBLISHED

THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION, (Rec. November 13, 7.25 p.m.) London, November 13. Ijie Press Bureau has issued the following statement for publication :— M M n . Clu, f cl . lin w ">to to Mr. Asquith (the Prime Minister) on November 11; 'When I left the Admiralty I accepted office and new duties in order, at your request, to jake part in the War Council and to assist tho, new Ministers with, die knowledge of current operations which I then possessed in a special degree. I am in cordial agreement with your decision to form a small War Council, and appreciated the intention you expressed six weeks ago to includo me as a member, hut I foresaw the personal difficulties you would have to face with regard to its composition. I make no complaint that your scheme has been changed, but with the change my work in the Government comcß naturally to a close. Knowing what I do of the present situation, and the instrument of the executive power, I could not accept a. general responsibility in the war policy • without an effective share in its • guidance and control—even when, decisions of principle might bo rightly taken, the speed and method of their execution are factors wheh determine tho result; nor do I feel ablo to remain in well-paid inactivity. I therefore ask you to submit . my resignation to' the King, and place myself unreservedly at the disposal of the military authorities for serving with my regiment in France. A enableß me to bear the responsibility for past events with composure. Time will vindicate my administration at tihe Admiralty, and assign to mo my due share in tho vast series of preparations and operations which liassecured to us the'command of the '• sea. With much respect and unaltered personal friendship, I bid you goodbye.'•• Mr. Asqulth's Reply.. "Mr. Asquith replied;— 'I hoped that you would have reconsidered your decision, and regret that you have found ycurself unable to do so. You have rendered services, both in Council and in administration, 'which, no one is better able to appreciate than myself. I am sincerely grieved that you should think it your duty to leave the Cabinet, and I feel certain that you will continue, to take an active 'and effective part in the prosecution of the war. On personal grounds I feel acutely .this sever* anco of our long association.'' v

. AN EXPLANATION TO THE HOUSE STATEMENT TO-DAY. (Rec. November 14,' 3.30 p.m.) London, November 13. Mr. Churchill will explain his resign nation on Monday in the House of Commons. It is understood that he will review the operations of tho Admiralty, and will justify his action at Antwerp and in the Dardanelles The "Times" commentsi-. "Mr. Churchill's resignation, following that of Sir Edward Carson, and I<ord Kitchener's departure on a mission _ of uncertain /duration, is an illustration of what Lord Milner called 'the tendency of Cabinet to shed its elements of strength, instead of shedding its elements of weakness.' "

The "Daily News" says: "We ore not surprised at tho It does Mr. Churchill credit. As his retention of his seat in the Cabinet was the reason of Lord Fisher's resignation, a new possibility of usefulness for 'Lord Fisher presents itself." The "Daily Chronicle" observes: "There is heat hi Mr. Churchill's letter, but there is also a manliness in his pride of work well done. Mr. Churchill is\evidently chagrined «t his non-inclu-sion in the AVar Council He will bo a real loss to the Cabinet. He was impulsivo and headstrong, but possessed the grand qualities of vigour, decision, and courage. He made mistakes, but he rendered unforgettable service." Tho "Daily Telegraph" remarks that tho resignation- will be received by the country with respect and regret duo to a statesman of great ability and ambition, who resigned Cabinet rank rather than remain in well-paid inactivity. Tho public will certainly associate his retirement wth our unfortunate lack- of success in tho Dardanelles. Whatever his mistakes, Mr. Churchill made too vigorous and dominating a personality to°bo contcnt-with a sineouro."

THE NEW ORDER OF THINGS • PRESS OPINIONS ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, November 13. Colonel Repington, the "limes" military correspondent, referring to Mr. Asquith's announcement regarding the General Staff and an Allied War Council, says:—"This is the best news we have yet received regarding the higher direction of the war. It may be assumed that representatives of J&pan, Belgium, Serbia, and Montenegro will be included in this War Council. Lord Kitchener entirely overshadowed the situation until the General Staff was gratifyingly resurrected last .< month. General Sir Archibald Murray (tho new Chief of the General Staff) has secured numbers of capable men and restored the orthodox machinery for conducting tho war. We will probably; avoid in tho future the previous terrible amateur decisions and improvisations."

A. suggestion that tho cheese factories in Taranaki Should be asked to send oheoso as presents to the soldiers at the front was made by Mr. D. J. Hughes at tho last meeting of the New Plymoutli Patriotic Committee. Letters received from men at the front showed that New Zealand cheese received by the mon liad been greatly approved. Mr. Hughes felt suro the companies would respond, and in addition to providing a luxury for the men, it would bo a great advorfeemont for the cheese. Mr. J. 13. Wilson thought the matter should be brought up at the Taranaki oonforcnoo, and this, comae, jroa agreed