PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2950, 9 December 1916, Page 9

PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION

London, December 7. Lord Sydenham (ex-Governor of Victoria, who has had much experience in defenco matters), in an interview, said it was imperative that tho War Council should consist nf not more than five, who should ho spared the pre- , occupations of managing large departments. At least two of the members ought to havo made a study of the war oil land and sea, and one ntan with a ,| largo practical business experience was essential. The Prime Ministershould bo chairman, otherwise conflict between the AVar Council and the Cabinet would be certain. The fifth member-ought to bo a- man of great political experience and statesmanliko character. AVo have been attempting' to pit amateurs against with tho inevitable results. If we repeat our,gravo mistakes tho remaining chance of success will be lost. Lord Nunburnliolnio (head of tho "Wilson Shipping Lines), in a. letter to . the newspapers, says that tlio country requires an executive consisting of the best soldiers and sailors and business men. -For example: Sir John Jellicoe, Sir William Robertson, Lord Devonport, Mr. .Owen Phillips, and two good Labour men', who would see, first that there are sufficient heavy batteries to utterly destroy all tho German artillery, anil save tho present heavy losses in infantry; secondly, would blockade.the whole of Europe, including neutrals, and thus cause an effectiyo blockade; thirdly,. secure that sufficient heavy guns were immediately produced, so that merchantmen will ■ be able to-sink submarines; and fourthly, compel the immediate construction of at least, a. thousand standardised merchant ships, in addition.to those already building, to secure an adequate food supply and raw materials for munitions for Britain and her Allies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. "; ME, LLOYD GEORGE'S VALUE IN MILITARY .TERMS. ■ ' '• ~ , Paris,.December 7. M. Clemenceau writes:— If Mr. Lloyd George is excluded from the British. Cabinet it will-be worse than the loss of a battle." Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.. ....... . "A NEW ERA," SAYS DUTCH OPINION. m ~,, ' . ~, Amsterdam, December ". . ~ says: Mi'. A sqiuth s resignation begins a- new era. It is evident that, with, a sharpening of the blockade, neutrals' troubles will ■be mcdeased."—Aust-.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . . .. THE "GREEK MUDDLE" AND "RUMANIAN DISASTER." -. TT _ London, December 7. ; 'n i- ,» United Service message from Rome states that the "Giornale d' Italia _ declares that" the Asquith Cabinet lacked firmness, decision, and initiative, and was indirectly responsible for the Greek muddle and tho Rumanian disaster.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE KAISER'S PROPHECY BUNGLED HOSTILITY AND APPREHENSION IN THE GERMAN PRESS. . (Eec. December 8, 10.55 p.m.) , „ , . London, December 8A limes correspondent recounts an interview with the Kaiser ten years ago. Asked his opinion of Mr. Lloyd George, the Kaiser said: "He will be' Premier within ten years/ - The German Press has significantly changed its tone. It was complacent when Mr.: Lloyd George resigned, but this feeling lias been replaced by mingled hostility and apprehension. They denounce' Mr. Lloyd George for the breach -in the Cabinet, and call him a secret intriguer, warning the German people that his accession to power means that the war will enter upou a new phase, and postpone'indefinitely the-peace prospects.—"The Times." A GERMAN SNEER, v . , Amsterdam, December 7. ;. The "Kolmsche Volkzeitung,'' discussing Mr. Asquith's resignation, remarks: "If the .strong man of England has now come into power this will only please us, for we hope a decision will come all the earlier."—Renter. THE FINANCIAL BAROMETER OF EVENTS. (Rec. December 8, 9 p.m.) •' ') . London, December 7. The Stock Exchange is somewhat depressed owing to the political crisis and the Rumanian situation; but there is no pressure to sell.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.