THAT EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8347, 6 February 1913, Page 6

THAT EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

It -would appear that an endeavour is being made in certain quarters to strengthen the impression that is sought to be created that the Hon. VTames Allen’s expeditionary force of eight thousand men for foreign service was merely a “ hope” and not an “offer.” The Christchurch correspondent of the independent evening journal, presumably with this object in view, has sought out Major-General Godley, and has been assured by that high officer that the Minister’s reference was to “volunteers.” This, of course, is definite. But we might be allowed to suggest that though MajorGeneral Godjey is the officer at the head of the forces, he is not the Minister of Defence, and he does not even hold a seat in the Cabinet. How does he know what the Hon. James Allen said, any more than anyone else in New Zealand does at the present time, and how can he speak for tho Government. when oven Mr Massey is practically silent? The Prime Minister himself is onfy prepared to “ think ” what Mr Allen means, and this, being a question of policy and not one of mere administration, it cannot bo settled offhand by a statement by Major-General Godley. The question is one that vitally concerns the people of New Zealand, and in view of , the cabled statement that the Pall Mall Gazette ” accepted the “offer ” as a further proof of patriotism, the people are entitled to a definite and authoritative explanation from the proper quarter, which is the Prime Minister himself, or, failing him, the Minister of Defence. As a matter of fact, it is useless for the Hon. W. P. Massey, or Major-General Godley, or tho squatters’ organ, or the independent evening journal, or the whole of them combined, to attempt to remove the conviction in ssvery thoughtful mmd that tho Hon. James Allen actually did make this offer of an expeditionary force of eight thonsapd men. Before he left New Zealand, a few weeks ago, he had this expeditionary force idea on the brain. Ho talked of it privately. He talked of it publicly. He even obtruded and paraded it at the famous farewell banquet without remonstrance from his Ministerial chief. Does anyone doubt this? Then let us refer to the report of Mr Allen’s speech on that occasion taken, as a proof of authenticity, from the columns of the squatters’ organ. This is what Mr Allen said then, and evidently his first impulse on his arrival in London was to repeat a sentiment that had been loudly cheered by self-styled Reform at the banqueting table in Wellington. After referring to the necessity for providing men from New Zealand to man British warships, Mr Allen, with the champague flowing around him, said: “We must also organise our expeditior ary force to help the Motherland shonlu the need arise. The expeditionary force was not yet organised, but he hoped bofore many months had passed it would be possible to dispatch an expeditionary force of, say, 7000 or 80fi0 men beyond our shores to help the Motherland. We had also to face the problem of how to move our expeditionary force, and the problem was a most difficult one.” Is this the expression of a mere hope that young New Zealanders would, volunteer in the event of a crisis? Cer-, tainly it is not. It proves that his r.vmpathies and intentions arc in the direction of an organised and not a ( volunteer force. If certain newspapers

in Wellington are prepared to take the view that Mr Allen did not offer to provide an expeditionary lorco, ths press in other parts of tho Dominion do not agree with them. Tho “ u airarapa Age.” itself a Government organ, very aptly concludes an article in .these terms; '‘The cable message m itseli, read in conjunction with the English newspaper comments, leaves no room for doubt that tho opinion is entertained at Homo that New Zealand 13 willing to furnish an expeditionary force for immediate service. If Mr Allen has been misunderstood, it.is unfortunate for himself _ and his colleagues.” Tho “ Wairarapa Daily News,” on the same date, condemns the lion. James Allen’s indiscretion unreservedly, and says “if his plan of a compulsory expeditionary force really expresses the intentions of the Government, then it may bo considered certain that tho compulsory training scheme is doomed, for tho people will not enduro it under such a condition.” Public opinion is much exercised on tho question and in view of the uneasiness in tho general mind, it _ia plainly the duty of the Prime Minister to ascertain exactly what Mr Allen said and let tho people know how far it coincides with “ Reform ” policy op want of policy.