Northcliffe's Warning.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 1 December 1917, Page 4

Northcliffe's Warning.

M3SjLU.xo.Dd MUST EE HYltxhj VED. LONDON, Nov. 18. Lord Nortlicliffe addressed a letter yesterday to Mr Lloyd George, declining his repeated invitation to becomo Air Minister, stating that after five months of the virile atmosphere of the United States and Canada, while they were proceeding to make preparations with fervour and enthusiasm, there were still in office in England Ministers who -were dallying with such urgent questions as the union of war control, the eradication of sedition, the mobilisation of the whole man anfl woman power, and compulsory food rations. Certain departments in London were still pursuing a policy of obstruction and delay, of which instances were given. The censorship was being misused, and men in various positions of authority who should have been punished were retained— even elevated. "The spirit of the men and women of Great Britain," Lord Norihcliffe added, '' is clearly as eager and as splendid as over. Wo have had the most efficient army in the world, under our own—the greatest—generals, and I am well aware of the fine achievements of many other soldiers, sailors and statesmen; but I feci that I can do better work if I maintain my independence, ungagged by a loyalty which I do not feel towards the whole administration.'' After ascribing the tragedies of Russia and Italy as being largely due to enemy propaganda, Lord Northcliffe concludes:— "From countless conversations I have had with leading Americans I know that unless there is a swift improvement in our methods here the United States will rightly take into its own hands the entire , management of its great part in the war. It will not sacrifice blood and treasure to an incompetent handling of affairs in Europe.''