THE WAR OUTLOOK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1745, 25 October 1917, Page 3

THE WAR OUTLOOK.

BRUTE FORCE TO BE DETHRONED. LLOYD GEORGE’S REASSURING STATEMENT. London, Oct. 22. At the Albert Hall the Premier r (Mr D. Lloyd George) dealt with the gigantic cost of the war, but said that Britain after the war would be a more valuable asset than before, because of the efficiency of her people, and the security of shares would be increased. Another solacing fact was that the gigantic debt would be owed to ourselves. Although that had not always made a difference, it was better that the debt should be in the family. The more Britain owed the more she could lend td others, which was a most important factor in the nation’s wealth. Referring to terms of peace, he said he had been scanning the horizon anxiously, but could not see any terras in sight which would lead to an enduring peace. The only terms possible now were an armed truce, which would end in an even more frightful struggle. This war was terrible, but more terrible still wore the possibilities it revealed of pew horrors at sea and in the air. After enlarging on the developments and possibilities of the destructive powers of these horrible agents during a period of 20 to 30 years, he declared wo must settle this once and for all; otherwise there were men and women in the hall who might live to see the death of civilisation.

“It is essential,” continued the Prime Minister, “for the future of the human race that a decision shall be reached now —that brute force must be dethroned for ever, so that our children may not be condemned to terrors which even the most vivid imagination dare not portray. Such a settlement is not within immediate reach. Germany will only make peace now ,on terms which enable her to benefit by the present war. That Would be an encouragement for any buccaneering empire in the future to repeat the experiment. The failure of Napoleon taught France an unforgettable lesson. A similar lesson must be burnt into I lie hearts and memories of every Prussian before this war ends. The main questions of the war are not territorial adjustments or indemnities, but pre-eminently the question of the destruction of a false idea which has intimidated and enslaved Europe, or would have done so if the enemy had been triumphant this year. I had hoped that we might have broken that terrible power. We have been looking forward to a great converging movement which would have accomplished that purpose. The temporary collapse of the Russian militai’y power has postponed our hopes, but time is on our side. Two factors have contributed thereto —the advent of America and the increasing failure of submarinism. Our monthly shipping losses are now not much over one-third the losses recorded in April, The losses of German submarines in 1917 have been more than thried the losses of the whole of last year. Arrangements have been made whereby the British shipping turned out in 1912 will be four times the total of 1910, America is doing the same, Germany’s enemies produced the world’s food supplies and raw,materials. Even if the German military machine sn'eceeded —which it would not —the federation of free peoples could, by withholding their products, reduce Germany to impotence and desolation, ad they would, if necessary. However, the Allies must husband their resources until Russia recovers and America is ready. Our armies must have in the men waiting the means of winning. We must beware of people trying to sow dissension. The enemy on most of the battle fronts has organised with deadly care ami ingenuity an offensive behind his lines. I know what lam talking about. France discovered it in time. Look out for Boloism in all shapes and forms! The enemy is attempting to divide the nations and put one ally against another. I am glad to say the Allies are working in ' the greatest harmony. We are holding one of the most important military and political inter-allied conferences ever held, whpse decisions will affect the whole course of the war and may determine the ultimate issue.”-