Imperial Parliament

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 839, 13 March 1903, Page 2

Imperial Parliament

ARMY ESTIMATES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 11. The Houso of Commons ib discussing the Army estimates. Mr Brodrick moved a vote providing for 235,761 men, which allowed for an expeditionary force numbering 120,000. He said the present reserve of 60,000 would be increased to 100,000 within two years, enabling a reduction of the men with the colors to be made. Mr Guest moved his amendment as previously cabled. Mr Balfour, replying, denied that he intended to convey during his speech the idea that Russia contemplated! an immediate invasion of India. He said he only meant that Great Britain must consider the consequences of a quarrel with Russia. Received 1.3 a.m., March 13. London, March 12.

Mr Guest’s amendment was defeated by 254 to 145. The bulk of the Nationalists abstained from voting. Nearly thirty Unionists voted with the minority. Mr Brodrick said that a summary reduction of 27,000 men would produce chaos in the military system. Mr Edward Grey stated that in the event of a struggle on the Indian frontier 40,000 stationed in South Africa would be more valuable than 120,000 in England. Besides South Africa was a better and cheaper training ground. Mr Balfour earnestly appealed to the House not to upset a carefully-elaborated scheme already sanctioned by Parliament. It would be wrong to make reductions at a time when the reserves were dangerously low.