SUPREME WAR COUNCIL UNDER CRITICISM

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 123, 11 February 1918, Page 5

SUPREME WAR COUNCIL UNDER CRITICISM

RUMOURS OF UNAUTHORISED EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY EXCITED COMMENTS IN THE LONDON PRESS By Teleuraph-Prese Aesociation-Copirieut (Rec. February 10, 5!5 p.m.) . London, February 8. Colonel Repington telegraphs to the "Morning Poet" from Paris as follows:—"The decisions of the Inter-Allied War Council regarding the control of. the British troops in the field are reported to be of such a strange character that Parliament should demand the ( fullest details, order an immediate examination of the proposals, and obtain the opinions of our" General Staff thereon."—Aus.-N;Z. Cable Assn, . •' GENERAL PRESS OUTCRY DEMAND FOR FULLER INFORMATION. (Rec. February 10, 5,5 p.m.) London, February 8. Critics of Mr. Lloyd George and the Government are utilising disquieting rumours regarding the centralisation of military authority at Versailles to weaken the Coalition Government. The 'JGlobe" says:—"Colonel Repington evidently has learned facts that have been jealously withheld from the House of Commons." The "Star" supports Colonel Repington's demand for the utmost publicity regarding the enlargement of the powers of the council at Versailles, and suggests that the Lords and the Commons should act together in clearing up "this intolerable mystery.". A joint committee of the two Houses ought to be appointed on which no member of the Cabinet would sit. The "Star" adds: "It is asserted that Mr. Lloyd George will establish his headquarters at Versailles and issue orders from thenco. Is this constitutional?" The "Westminster Gazette" states that a definite assurance was given Parliament regarding the limitations imposed upon the authority of the Supreme War Council. The Houbo of Commons must ascertain if the Council's functions have been alterecj. The "Evening Standard" chaffs "the eccentric Repington" with discovering another mare's nest, and says: "Wo can state positively that what has been, done at Versailles has' been with the sole object of increasing the fighting,power and efficiency of the Allies' armies.' When Parliament meets, Mr. Lloyd George will be willing to explain the matter," The "Spectator" asks Mr. Lloyd George, "if he can do so," to declare his confidence in the military leaders and dispel the suspicion ho prompted in his recent Press 'campaign against them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE ITALIAN DELEGATE. (Eeo. February 10, 5.5 p.m.) Rome, February 9. Official.—"Following upon the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry into the October reverses, Cabinet has placed Marshal Cadorna and Generals Porro and Capello _at the disposal of the Ministry, of War for tho purpose of giving information", but has not interfered with -thoir rank or authority. General Giardino has been appointed Italian delegate to Versailles."—Aus'.N.Z. Cable Assn, THE BRITISH HIGH COMMAND CHARGES AGAINST POLITICIANS The above controversy appears.to be a backwash of tho discussion the other week over the British High Command. "The most dramatio controversy of the war is raging regarding the High Command, strategy, and manpower (wrote tho "Sydney Sun's" Spocia! Representative in London some days ego). All the newspapers and members of Parliament aro now taking a hand, whilst tho questions are the general topio for a strong discussion by the public. Though the names of Mr. Lloyd George, Sir Douglas Haig, and Sir William Robertson are freely dragged in, they have not taken part in tho controversy, appearing to the public as great figures in the shadows hchind their partisans. Colonel Repington, military correspondent of tho 'Morning Post,' who with the 'Morning Post' and the 'Daily News' is tho chief champion of the Army's comanders, charges Mr. Lloyd George and the 'Downing Street camarilla' with poisonous intrigues against Sir Douglas Haig and Sir William Robertson; whilst the other sido claims that the General Staff launched tho attack against Mr. Lloyd George, and skilfully mobilised its Press supporters in a strong campaign. Undoubtedly Colonel Repington has taken the war into the Cabinet's camp. _ Ho 'assorts that the Government failed to provide sufficient man-power, with tho result tliab divisions were exhausted and were greatly under their strength, while the Germans were concentrating 220 divisions on tho West, thereby producing the most critical situation. Colonel Repington's campaign represents ex pnrte 'Westcrnism, , ignoring the vital shipbuilding, naval, and munition necessaries of the position." The "British" Weekly" says: "How far and how deep differences have developed between Sir Douglas Haig and Mr. Lloyd George it is impossible to state definitely, but the situation cannot be prolonged without the utmost danger.."-