OVERHELD CABLES

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 319, 22 October 1915, Page 2

OVERHELD CABLES

BRITISH CABINET SITUATION. EXCITEMENT, IN ENGLAND. LONDON, October 19. There is intense excitement in Britain over the Cabinet situation. For days there has been an uneasy feeling, caused by a serious disagreement amongst Ministers, but the tension was somewhat relieved last we eh, when Sir Edward Carson flatly denied his reported resignation. Thereafter his movements were closely watched by the newspapers. His absence from consecutive Cabinet meetings re-aroused ! suspicions, which culminated in the announcement of his resignation. The report of the Eight Hon. H. H. Asquith ’s illness, following on Sir Edward Carson’s resignation, is the subject of comment. Some papers consider that it may be the prelude to further Cabinet changes. The points on which there is a lack of unanimity are said to be Gallipoli, the Balkan campaign, and Conscription. An important meeting of the Cabinet was arranged for Tuesday morning, the third in 24 hours, but had to be postponed until the afternoon on account of Mr. Asquith’s illness. The Cabinet met during the afternoon, Lord Kitchener and Mr. Asquith attending. The proceedings were curtailed, Mr. Asquith having to attend the War Committee meeting and the House of Commons. The Premier went to Berkshire on Saturday for the week-end, and returned unwell. His illness developed on Tuesday, and he will probably be unable to take up his Parliamentary duties for a week. The ! doctor recommends a rest in the country. When the Commons met the galleries were packed, and there was a large attendance of members. Although it was generally known' that Mr. Asquith would not be present, there was some expectation of a possible statement on the situation, but this was not forthcoming. Mr. Asquith’s place wiJl be taken by the Et. Hon, Lloyd George, who appearance betrayed the anxiety and stress through which he has lately been passing. There were cheers from all parts of the House when the Speaker said he hoped that Mr. Asquith would only be absent a brief time. Mr. Lloyd George stated that Lord Haldane visited France as Sir John French’s guest. It was impossible to name the day for the Premier’s statement on the Dardanelles. Mr. Lloyd George, replying to a question, said that the method by which Italy could effectively co-oper-ate in helping Servia or the common cause was under discussion. In reply to Mr. Brace, Mr. Lloyd George said it was not proposed to intern or repatrate Bulgarians unless in individual cases. Lord Cecil, in reply to Mr. Outhwatc, said Mr. Buchanan’s statement, cabled on the 30th, must not be regarded as covering all the considerations involved. He added that it would be improper for him to make a statement with regard to the importance attached to the Dardanelles, or other theatres of war, by any of the Allies. Questions on the notice-paper by Sir Joynson Hicks include one whether supplies of timber and iron had been disembarked at the Dardanelles to enable shelters to be erected for the troops, and if not, what steps had been taken to ensure the health of the troops in the winter; also what number of eases of sickness had been removed at the Dardanelles, and is the proportion of Sick and wounded reasonable? NEW APPOINTMENTS. LONDON, October 20. It is expected that Sir F. E. Smith will be appointed Attorney-General and Mr. Cave Solicitor-General.