THE WAR

Horowhenua Chronicle, 4 December 1916, Page 3

THE WAR

4 Austral.a-New Zealand Cable Service) BRITISH CABINET CRISIS. THREATENED RESIGNATIONS DISSATISFACTION OVER WAR ' COUNCIL. Loudon, Doc 2. The Cabinet crisis is engrossing the attention of Mr Asquith, who had a long niKtionco with the King, but afterwards proceeded for a week to the country. The "Kven'ng Wtandiard" says that within the Cabinet there is a strong section that favours unified control by a smaller number of Ministers with plenary powers. The probable breakup of the Government can be averted by placing war control in a recently constructed War Council. The Right Hon. D. Lloyd George has long been dissatisfied • over the dilator mess of the Cabinet .on war matters. It is understood that Mr Bon.nr Law heartily supports him. The "Manchester Guardian" declares that the .House of Commons i c in the rnocd to create a new Ministry. The course of events is dependent on Mr Lloyd l George, who immediately rr subsequently must become head of the Government. Meanwhile Mr Bonar Law may become transition premier. Tho "Westminster Gazette" says that it is pure fiction to suggest that a large section of the House of Commons desire n change of Government. •Mr Asquith has a unique hold over tho House of Commons. Reynold's newspaper states: "Lloyd George is resigning to-day." The "Evening News" says:. "It is remoiired that Mr Llody George is busy packing with a view to vacating the Ministry of War. It is reported that Mr Asquith is resigning and proceeding to the House of Lards." LLOYD GEORGE RESIGNS. London, fDee 3. Reynold's newspaper states that Air Lloyd George has arrived at the definite conclusion that the methods of dilatoriness., indecision and delay characterising the action of the present War Council, will endanger the prospects of "winning the war. 'He lias d'emnnded a smaller Council, enpowered to make prompt 'and binding decisions. It is believed that Mr Asquith has declined to accept that view. Hence Mr Lloyd 'George has no alternative but 'resignation, which he tendered, but delayed until to-day at the instance of several of his colleagues who are endeavouring with little prospect of success to prevent a final step. Lloyd George's reasons for resignation will probably be published! to-night. His failure to induco the Government to move in time to prevent the tragic reverse in Rumania, was doubtless the final fact operating on Llody George's mind. THE GRECTAN TROUBLE. Athens, Dec 2. King Constnntine has agreed to surrender six batteries of mountain guns, Ad mi ml Du Fournet agreeing immediately to withdraw all his troops except a guard of three hundred. The arrangement has been referred to tlie Entente Governments. Exciting scenes occurred; before the announcement of the King's surrender. Greek troops attempted to prevent the Allies passing certain points. Collisions and rifle-firing ensued 'and continued all the afternoon. There was also a lively fnsilade between the Royalists and the Venizelists. Guns boomed at intervals. It was said to be tho 'French bombarding the hill behind the palace. Great panic prevailed.

TORPEDOED. London. Dec 2. The Citv of Birmingham was torpedoed in the Mediterranean. Two hundred passengers have been landed at Alexandria. IN RUMANIA. London, -Dec 2. A converging German movement greatly endangers Bucharest. A close Wnvestment is threatened' if Mackensen crosses the Argesu River east of Komana. The success of the Russians near IKirlibaba may result in the capture of Jiaeabein and Dornawatra, enabling them to cross the Carpatlidans andl to descend into the Transylvanian plains through the Syamns valley, thus helping to re-establish the situation even

if the capital is lost. Marcel Hutin thinks that it will bo difficult to avert the fate ot Buch■:iro»t. il-ondon, Dec 2. The latest news states that the Germans are ten miles from Bucharest forts, and are approaching the city's last river lino, six miles from tho forts. .Falkenliayn's troops are very near an oilfield. The "Daily Mail" fears that the enemy has captured vast herds of sheep and cattle, thereby greatly increasing his supply of fata.