Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 8, 4 December 1916, Page 5

Great Britain

CABINET CHANCES^ LLOYD GEORGE'S RESIGNATION. CURRENT RUMOURS. THE QUESTION OF CONTROL. Press Asoociation—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, December 3. Reynolds' Newspaper says that Mr Lloyd George has arrived at the definite conclusion that the methods, dilatoriness, indecision, and delay characterising i the action of the present War Council endanger the prospects of winning the wai. He demanded a smaller Council, empowered to make prompt and binding decisions. It is believed that Mr Asqmth declined to accept that view, hence Mr Lloyd George had no alternative but resignation, which was tendered, but was delayed until to-day, at the instance of several of his colleagues, who are endeavoring, with little prospect of success, to prevent the final step being taken. The reasons given by Air Lloyd George for his resignation will probably be published to-night. His failure to induce the Government to move in time to prevent a tragic reverse in Roumania was doubtless the final factor operating on Mr Lloyd George's mind. Reynolds' Newspaper adds that Mr Lloyd George is resigning to-day. The Evening News says that it is rumored that Mr- Lloyd George is bus.v packing, with a view to vacating the Ministry and the War Council. It Is also reported that Mr Asquith is resigning, and becoming a member oi the House of Lords.

PREMIER VISITS THE KING. PRESS COMMENT. Press Association— Copyright, Austra lian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, December 3. The Cabinet crisis is engrossing attention. Mr Asquith had a long 'audience with the King but afterwards proceeded to spend the week-end in th e country. , The Evening Standard states tuat within the Cabinet there is a strong section which favors unified control by a small number of Ministers with plenary powers. It is probable that the break-up of tho Government will be averted by placing the war control in the hands of a reconstructed War Council. Mr Lloyd George has long been dissatisfied with the dilatoriness of the Cabinet on war matters. It is understood that Mr Bonar Law heartily supports him. The Manchester Guardian declare, that the House of Commons is in tin mood to create a new Ministry. lm course of events is dependent on fill 'Llovd George, who, immediately 02 subsequently, must become tho heat of tho Government. Meanwhile »U Bonar Law may become a transition Premier. . t The Westminster Gazette says tnai it is a pure fiction to suggest that a large section of the House of Com nions desires a change of Government. : Mr Asquith has a unique hold ore the House of Commons.

PRESENT POSSIBILITIES.

OPINIONS IN THE PRESS.

(Received 11.25 a.m.) London, December 3

Reynolds' Weekly says: Jt must nob be forgotten that after Mr Lloyd George bad succeeded in arranging a settlement of the Irish difficulty, that Cabinet threw him mercilessly over, without any real explanation, at anyrate as far as the public were con-

cerned. The Observer suggests that Mr As

quith may find a way out by undertaking to supervise the general administration, and by entrusting Mr Lloyd George with the full direction of the war and everything vitally concerned therewith, while Mr Bonar Law's position in the Government is much enhanced. The Observer adds that, the crisis will not fail to produce by one means or another the supreme national effort to win the war. It also contends that shipping and shipbuilding unquestionably require a Minister to themselves.

The Weekly Despatch foreshadows the employment of Mr Asquith's gifts, which are more of an administrative than executive capacity. It was rumoured late on Saturday night that Mr Asquith might possibly resign to enable a new Coalition Government to< be formed.

The Sunday Times says: Whether the reconstruction will be marked by Mr Asquith's retirement is at present doubtful. There is a strong, feeling that ho should remain at the head of the Cabinet, while delegating the chief direction of the war to a more energetic colleague. This would minimise uneasiness that any Cabinet reconstruction must cause among the Allies and Neutrals.

THE WAR COUNCIL.

SUGGESTED ALTERATIONS.

RECONSTRUCTION OF WAR COM-

MITTEE.

MINISTERS RELIEVED OF ROUTINE WORK. London, December 2. The Daily Chronicle says that a reorganisation of the War Council is contemplated. It will probably consist of Messrs Asquith, Lloyd George, Balfour, Bonar Law, and Sir E. Carson. The paper adds that the rumor of a drastic reconstruction of the Cabinet is unfounded, but that a reconstruction of the Cabinet's War Committee is likely, with a reduced membership and much increased authority, but the initiation of a new policy is to remain with Cabinet. Early developments are likely on those lines. Sir E. Carson is expected to rejoin the Cabinet, without a portfolio, being thus enabled to devote the whole of his attention to war matters. Mr Asquith will be ex-officio chairman, and Mr Lloyd George deputy-chair-man. It is desirable to relieve both these Ministers of as much departmental labor as possible by the appointment of experienced officials. Admiral Jellicoe and General Robertson would naturally attend all the meetings. It has been suggested that Lord Fisher should join the War Council, but there was not unanimity with regard to the proposal. Anyhow, it is doubtful if he would accept, because he recently declined to return to the Admiralty in an advisory capacity. The article concludes: "The fact that no decision has been reached, and the tardiness of the Government's attitude on several great questions of policy, are due largely to Ministers being in a state of mental fatigue from over-work and anxiety." 1

BRITISH WAR COUNCIL. GREAT POLITICAL CHANCES PENDING. GOVERNMENT THREATENED. PREMIER MAY BE JETTISONED. Press Association— Copyright. United Service. (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, December 3. Mr Asquith's audience with the King has accentuated the feeling that great, political changes were pending. The conduct of the war has been causing so much disatisfnetion that the life of the Government is threatened at an early date. The statement that the

War Council was being refuced caused some sa'tisfacction as the neccessity was realised for the establishment of a small strong body capable of rapid and effective decisions. Sir Edward Carson would infuse

vigor. Iml the driving force of some ~j i-lu- others nieiitioned is questioned. The Observer says that many think that ilr Asquith no longer embodies the will-power and energy necessary io prosecute the war to a sr.ete.-.slul issue.

LONG SEVERE STRUGGLE.

ORGANISING THE NATION'S POWER. MEETING GERMANY'S CHALLENGE. Press Assn.- Copyright.—Australian lian and N.Z. Cable Association London, December 2. The Right Hon. A. Henderson, speaking at Northampton, inaugurated tin Ministers' public speeches. IV. > said: We are confronted with the possibility of a long and severe struggle, causing unparalleled suffering and sacrifice. There had been unofficial 'overtures for peace, but the terms were utterly unacceptable to the Allies, and there was not a shred of evidence that Germany was prepared to accept terms whereon a lasting peace coll kl bo built. We had made great strides in organising for war requirements, and the effort would reach itmaximum next summer, but we had not done enough. It was our imperative and immediate duty, if we want to win, to organise as never before. We must accept Germany's challenge, arid place our entire manhood and womanhood at the nation's service, and that can only be accomplished smoothly with the co-operation, of organised labor, which, he trusted, would bo forthcoming.

Mr Montague,'*• speaking at the Guildhall, said final victory may nor be soon. 'We must he prepared for every man and woman to take a part in the struggle. Sacrifices bad been made, but greater sacrifices will be asked for ,and asked soon.

CREAT NEED FOR MAN-POWER.

EXEMPTIONS CURTAILED.

London, December 2

The Local Government Board has circularised the military tribunals to the effect that the Government lias decided that every man under twentysix is more valuable to the forces than in civil employment, therefore, be must not be exempted unless engaged on work of essential national importance. This policy momentarily does not apply to agriculture, which is being specially considered. The circular adds that the demand for eligible men above twenty-six years of ajj;e is so great that exemption is not justified unless on the strongest grounds.

"anglo-swedish position.

(Received 8.55 a.m.)

Copenhagen, December 3

Britain emphatically denies the Herman allegation that she is seeking to secure the transport of war material to Russia via Sweden.