Kitchener Reliant.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 11, 31 August 1914, Page 3

Kitchener Reliant.

TEXT OF HIS SPEECH IN THE LORDS.

Wellington, August 31. His Excellency the Governor has received the text of Lord Kitchener’s speech in J,prds. j? Lord' Kitchener disclaimed lx*- 1 1 longing to any political party, but for the sake of prosecuting the,war he had himself in fullest degree with hisf colleagues in the Government. He pointed out that his occupancy of the post of Secre- ■ tary for War was temporary, and only while the war lasted, or if the war lasted longer than for three years. The wan-had been none of Britain’s seeking. It was undoubtedly a strain on the resources of the Empire. The British force which had then been in contact with a superior force had maintained the traditions of British soldiers and had behaved most gallantly. The movements they had been called upon to execute demanded the greatest steadiness in the soldiers and the greatest skill in the commanders. The fighting in Europe had caused great casualties, but ho felt sure the nation was prepared to meet whatever losses and sacrifices they have to make. “While,” continued Lord Kitchener, “other countries are engaging in war at home under a system of compulsory service which brought the full resources of their men into the field, we under our national system have not done so, and have, therefore, vast reserves to draw from both in the Mother Country and in the Dominions. The response proves that we do not look in vain to these sources of military strength. The Territorials are replying to the call with loyalty. Sixtynine battalions have already, with fine patriotism, volunteered, and when trained in larger formations they will bo able to take their place in line. Behind these, we have a special reserve and a national reserve. each with its own part to play. If the war be protracted, or if fortunes of war be varied or adverse, and further sacrifices be demanded, I am sure they will not be denied to the extreme needs of the State by Parliament and the people.”