LLOYD GEORGE SPEAKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1917, Page 2

LLOYD GEORGE SPEAKS.

DEALS WITH THE WAR.

TAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] LONDON, Oct. 22. At the Albert Hall, the Premier dealt with the gigantic costs of the war. ( He said that Britain, after the war would be a more valuable asset because the efficiency of the people and the security of their shares would be increased. Another solacing fact was that the gigantic debt would be owed to ourselves. Although that had not always made the difference, it was better that the debi should be owed in the family. The more Britain saved the more she could. lend to others, which was a most important factor in the rational wealth. Referring to the terms of peace, he said he had been scanning the horizon anxiously, but could not see any terms in sight which would lead to enduring peace. The only terms possible now were an armed truce ending in even a more frightful struggle. This was terrible; but more terrible > still were the possibilities it revealed of new horrors at sea and in the air. / After enlarging on the development and possibilities of destructive powers with these horrible agents during a period of twenty years, he declared wa must, settle this once and for all otherise there were men and women in that hall who might live to see the death of civilisation.

SATISFACTORY TO ALLIES. LONDON, Oct. 22.

Speaking in the Albert Hall on the war outlook the Premier said:—Wei must all know it is essential for the future of the human rate that a decision be reached now; that brute force must be dethroned for ever, so that.* our children will not be condemned to terrors, which even , the most vivid imagination, dare not portray. Such a settlement .is not within our imme' diate reach. Germany will only make peace now on terms which will enable her to benefit by the present war. That would be an encouragement for 'any buccaneering empire in the future to repeat the experience. The failure of Napoleon taught France an unforgettable lesson, and a similar lesson must-be burnt into tbo hearts and memories of every Prussian man before this war ends.

The main question 8 of the war are not territorial adjustments, or indemnities but preeminently the question of the destruction of false ideas which have intimidated and enslaved Europe, or would do so if it had been triumphant. This year I had hopd that wo might have broken that terrible power. We have been looking forward to a great converging movement which would accomplish that purpose; buff the temporary collapse of the Russian military power postponed our hopes; hut time is on our side. Two factors contributed thereto—the advent of America and the increasing failure of the submarinism.

Our monthly shipping losses are now not much over one third the losses recorded in April. The losses of German submarines in 1917 were more than thrice the losses during the whole of last year. Arrangements have been made where by British shipping to be turned out in 1918 will be four times the total.of 1910. America is doing the same. Germany’s enemies can produce the world’s food supply and raw materials. Even if the German military machine succeeded, which it would not, this federation of free peoples could, by withholding products, reduce Germany to impotence and desolation, and they would do it if necessary. However, the Allies must husband their resources until Russia recovers and Amer ica is readv.

The armies must have in men waiting the means of winning. We must beware of people trying to sow dissension.

The enemy on most' battle fronts has organised with deadly care and ingenuity. I know what I am talking about. France discovered it in time to look out for Boloism. In all shapes and forms, the enemy is attempting to divide the nations, to put one ally against another; but lam glad to say, the Allies are working in the greatest harmony. We are holding one of the most important military and political in ter-Allied conferences ever held whose decisions will affect the whole course of the war, and may determine the ultimate issue.