THE GENERALS AND THE POLITICIANS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 130, 19 February 1918, Page 5

THE GENERALS AND THE POLITICIANS

SIR WILLIAM ROBERTSON'S RESIGNATION i crisis Predicted I PRESS COMMENT FAVOURS WAR COUNCIL London, February 17. i The "Sunday Times" publishes an interview with Sir William Robertson, in which he indicates that he has been dismissed. Ho said: "I have not resigned. I can only'say that I will not accept cither position.'! The "Sunday Times" political cor- i respondent understands that General ■ Plumer declined to succeed Sir William Robertson, and adds that it is anticipated that other generals -mil follow Sir William Robertson into retirement. 11l fact, the generals have revolted against the Cabinet. The gravity of their action cannot bo overestimated. The correspondent blames Lord Derby's spineless control of the War Office, and hints that he will resign. Lord Derby, i lie points out, had an audience .with the King on Saturday. The "Observer" hopes Sir William Robertson's retirement is temporary.- • ' His resignation clears the air on the eve of battle, and removes the possible risk of friction between ourselves and our Allies. Correspondents in other newspapers, who emphasise the political side of the situation, regard the reconstruction of the Cabinet as unlikely, and point out suggested alternatives. Mr. Lloyd George does not command confidence either at home or abroad, and the Government's position is critical. The Premier's speech of explanation is eagerly awaited. Government newspapers challenge Mr. Asquith to test the House with a lio-oonfideuce motion, declaring it will result in a four-to-ono Ministerial majority— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ;

SIR WILLIAM ROBERTSON'S CONDITIONS

(Itee. February 18, 8.40 p.m.)

London, February 17. . It is recalled that Sir William Robertson took up the post of Chief of the Imperial General Staff on condition that ho had powers to communicate direct with Cabinet and also the ccmmajiders in the field without reference to the Secretary for War. -The, newspapers agree that his withdrawal will embarrass the Government, but will not •affect the course of the war or the War Council's plans. They unanimously regret the step, but urge that the ranks should bo closed up in view of the gravity of the situation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

A GRAVE CRISIS PRECIPITATED

(Rec. February 18, 8.40 p.m.) ' London, February 17. It is reported that.a grave crisis hap been precipitated between the Government and the generals. It is expected that other officers will follow :Sir William Robertson into retirement. There is already a dispute' as to whether Sir William Robertson resigned or was dismissed. Sir William Robertson denies that ho resigned. He says that he refused t<> accept a Teduced position at the War Office.—United Service.

PRESS OPINION

(Rec. February 19, 1.30 a.m.) ■London, February 18. The "Times," in a leading article dealing with Sir William Robertson, says: "The Allied War Council's agreement rendered imperative a curtailment of the illogical powers conferred on the Chief of Staff for temporary reasons. Tho Government's alternating bursts of confidence havo caused mishandling. There is an overwhelming i case in favour of the Allied War Coun- . eil's decisions, which did-not show the slightest conflict." The '"Times" lobbyist believes that if the facts are fully disclosed an effective attack against the Government will be impossible. Cabinet supports the Premier.—"The Times."

The "Daily Telegraph's" Parliamentary reporter says that an important debate upon the military changes is inevitable. Mr. Lloyd George, either on Monday or Tuesday, will endeavour to attend the House of Commons arid make a statement. ..The sequel will probably be a direct issue of confidence in the Government upon Mr. Asquith's motion, or Ministers may challenge theopinion of the House.—Aus.-N.Z; Cable Assn.

COLONEL REPINGTON'S COMMENT

(Rec. February 18,11.10 p.m.)

. London, February 17. Colonel Repiugtpn, writing in the "Morning Post," states that the removal of Sir William Robertson is justly and universally regarded by the Army as disastrous.- ;, Sinco Lord Kitchener's death," Sir William Robertson has been the- most respected military figure in the Allies' camp. He had to choose between the broad easy path of subse'rvienco to political dictation, and the Jiard narrow path of public duty. He has' chosen the latter, with a single-minded devenion to his coun-try."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.

THE SECRET TREATIES

BOLSHEVIK BREACH OF FAITH CAUSES TROUBLE

(Rec. February 18, 9.15 p.m.)

Rome, February 17,

Barou Sounino (Italian Foreign Minister), speaking iu tho Chamber of Deputies, stated that the fifteenth articlo of the Pact of London was published originally by tho organ of the Petrograd Soviet. He strongly protested against this unjustifiable breach of faith. The Allies had agreed, without Italy's special initiative, that a, separate reply to the Popo's Note was unnecessary after President "Wilson's reply. Tho Bolshevik disclosure of this article was intended to raise distrust and hostility against Italy.—■ Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. VICTORIACROSS AWARDS ROYAL COMPLIMENT TO NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA. (Rec. February 18, 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, February 18. Sir Walter Davidson wa6 officially welcomed and sworn in as State Governor for New South Wales. He delivered a .message from the King appreciative of Australia's part in the war. Sir Walter Davidson added that the King had commented, in referring to the gallantry of tlie Australian tioops, on the fact that the greatest number of Victoria Crosses in proportion to the number of troops engaged, had been won by the Commonwealth of Australia and the Dominion of New Zealand, which was coupled for tbe purpose. This testimony, coming from the King's own lips, should be gratifying, said the speaker.—Press Assn. DON'T LOOK OLDER THAN TOTJ SHOULD. - Every tooth lost adds years (o one's looks; Let me fill the gaps vith new, psarly teeth. My expert , bridgewofk, guaranteed for ten years, will meet your requirements. Moderate Fees. \ W. P. SommerriUe, "The, Careful Denti6t," Molesworth Street. Hours: 9 a.m. to $ p.m.—Advt.