BRITISH POLITICAL CRISIS

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 4 December 1916, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICAL CRISIS

, A GRAVE POSITION * RESIGNATION OF LLOYD GEORGE ROUMANIA IN CRITICAL CONDITION RUSHES HEROIC EFFORTS TO RELIEVE HARRASSINC THEENEMY’S FLANKS FIGHTING BETWEEN GREEKS AND ALLIES SITUATION FULL OF DANGER

BRITISH POLITICAL CRISIS GEORGE RESIGNED. SENSATIONAL RUMOURS. / EVERY MAN AND (WOMAN WANTED. LONDON, Dec 2. Reynold’s newspaper states that Mr. Uoyd George is resigning to-day. The “Evening News” says: It is rumoured that Mr. Lloyd George is busy packing with a view to vacating the Ministry of war. It is reported that Mr Asquith is resigning the Premiership and proceeding to the House of Lords. The Cabinet crisis is engrossing attention. Mr. Asquith had a long audience with the King, but fffterw ards proceeded to the country for the weeic end. The “Evening Standard’ sajs. Within the Cabinet a strong section favours unified control by a sinallei number of Ministers with plenary powers. It is probable the hi eak-up of the Government will be averted by placing the war under the control of a reconstructed war council. Mr. Lloyd George has been long dissatisfied with the dilatoriness of the Cabinet on war matters. It is understood Mr. Bonar Haw heartily supports him. The “Manchester Guardian” declares that the House of Commons rs in a mood to create a new Ministry. The course of events is dependent on Mr. Lloyd George, who immediately or subsequently must become head of the Government. Meanwhile Mr. Bonar Law may become a transition Premier. The “Westminster Gazette” says it is pure fiction to suggest that a large section of the House of Commons desire a change of Government. Mr. Asquith has a unique hold over the House of Commons.

be published to-night. His failure to induce the Government to move in time to prevent the tragic reverse in Roumania was doubtless the final fact operating in Mr. Lloyd George’s mind. Mr. Henderson, at Northampton, inaugurated the Minister’s public speecn campaign. He said we were 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 by the Allies. Ther was not a shred of evidence that Germany was prepared to accept the terms whereon a lasting peace could be built. We had made great strides and were organising a war effort to reach its maximum next summer, but we had not done enough. Our imperative and immediate duty, if we want to win, is to organise as never before. We must accept Germany’s challenge to place our entire manhood and womanhood at the nation’s service. This can only be accomplished smoothly with the co-oper-ation of organised labour, which I trust will be forthcoming.

THE SUPREME NATIONAL EFFORT LONDON, Dec 3. Reynolds’ Newspaper says: It must not be forgotten that after Lloyd George succeeded in arranging the settlement of the Irish difficulty Cabinet threw him mercilessly over without any real explanation, at any rate so far as the public are concerned. The “Obesrver” suggests that Mr. Asquith may find a way out by undertaking to supervise the general administration, and by entrusting Lloyd George with the full direction of the War and everything vitally concerned therewith; while Mr. Bonar Law’s position in the Government will be much enhanced. The crisis will not fail to produce by one means or another, the supreme national effort to win the war. The Ob. server also contends shipping and shipbuilding unquestionably requires a Minister to themselves. The "Weekly Despatch” foreshadows the employment of Mr. Asquith’s gifts in a more administrative than ex ecutive capacity. It was rumoured late on Saturday night that Mr. Asquith would probably resign and enable a new Coalition Government to be formed. The "Sunday Times” says: Whether reconstruction be marked by Mr. Asquith’s retirement at present, it is doubtful whether there is strong feeling that he should remain at the head of the Cabinet while delegating the chief direction of the war to his more energetic colleague. This would minimise the uneasiness in any Cabinet reconstruction that must be caused among Allies and neutrals.

The “Daily Chronicle” says re-or-ganisation of the War Council is contemplated. It will probably consist of Messrs Asquith, Lloyd George, Balfour, Bonar Law, and Sir E. Carson. Reconstruction of the Cabinet’s War Committee is likely, with a reduced membership and much increased authority, but the initiation of the new policy remains with Cabinet. Early developments are likely on those lines. Sir Edward Carson is expected to rejoin the Cabinet without portfolio. He will thus be enabled to devote his whole attention to the war. Mr. Asquith will be ex-officio chairman, and Mr. Lloj’d George deputy chairman. It will be desirable to relieve both of ranch departmental labour by the appointment of experienced officials. Admiral Jellicoe and Sir William Robertson would naturally attend all meetings. It has been suggested that Sir John Fisher should join the War Council, but there is not unanimity about the proposal. Anyhow, it is doubtful if he would accept, because he recently declined to return to the Admiralty in an advisory capacity. The Chronicle, concludes: The fact that no decision has been reached, and the tardiness of the Government's attitude on several great questions of policy is due largely to Ministers’ mental fatigue from overwork and anxiety.

MR ASQUITH INTERVIEWS THE KING. A -SMALL WAR COUNCIL ADVOCATED. Received 9.10 LONDON, Dee .‘5. Mr Asquith, in an audience with the King, accentuated the feeling that the great political changes pending in the conduct of the war was causing so much dissatisfaction that the life of the Government is threatened at an early date. The statement that the War Council is being reduced caused some satisfaction, as the necessity is realised for a small strong body, capable of rapid and effective decisions. Sir Edward Carson would infuse vigour, but the driving force of some others mentioned is questioned. The Observer says: Many think Mr Asquith no longer embodies the will-power and energy necessary to prosecute the war to a successful issue.

Reynolds’ Newspaper says Mr. Lloyd George arrived at a definite conclusion that the methods, dilatoriness, indecision and delay ’characterising the actions of the present War Council endanger the prospects of win ning the war. He demanded a smaller council empowered to make prompt and binding decisions. It is believed Mr. Asquith declined to accept that view, hence Mr. Loyd George had no alternative but to resign. He tendered his resignation, but delayed it until to day at the instance of several colleagues, who are endeavouring, with little ’Prospect of success, to prevent this final step. Mr. Lloyd George’s reas- . «ns for his resignation will probably

THE ROUMANIAN CAMPAIGN. ATTACK IN THE DOBRUDJA. THE ROUMANIAN ACCOUNT. LONDON, Dec 1. A Roumanian communique says: We ar c violently attacking the whole front of the Dobrudja, and violent fighting is progressing south of Pitessi, 75 miles northwest of Bucharest, and also at Glavacioc Valley and Neajlov, as far as Koniana. We took several hundred prisoners. Lively engagements are proceeding on the whole front from the west frontier of Moldavia as far as the Buzeu Valley.” It is believed to be unlikely that the Roumanians wore able to carry off the largo quantities of wheat, including some purchased by Britain, in the invaded area. It is probable that the grain was destroyed. FALKENHAYN’S ADVANCE ARRESTED. Received 8.55 ROME Dec 3 The Corricrc della Sera’s Pctrograd correspondent states that Falkenhayn’s forces in the mountains between Transylvania and Moldavia have been obliged to assume the defensive owing to the despatch of several divisions thence to assist the Roumanians. The advance through Wallachia is no longer possible in the Transylvanian Alps, owing to the winter conditions. BATTLES AROUND BUCHAREST. GERMANS TEN MILES FROM THE CAPITAL. LONDON Dec 2. A German communique says the Russians, and, on the south wing, the Roumanians continue their relief offensive on a front of over three hundred kilometres between Jablonitza Pass and the heights , cast of the basin of Kozdiva sarhely.

The communique claims that tierce fighting, with high expenditure of blood and munitions, brought the Russians only a few advantages. The Roumanians in western Roumania,. who arc cut off from their army, are endeavouring, by striking in various directions, Ip escape. The enemy resisted our forces advancing from the Alt on the various river sectors, but were repulsed. The enemy here also made an offensive, but could not stay onr advance. The Danube army crossed the Ncalov Valley, and arc approaching the lower course of the Drgecu in the direction of Bucharest.

Rich booty was taken. There arc no details of the battles which arc believed to be raging round Bucharest. There are reports that Falkenhayn is directly attacking the city’' from the north-west and south-east in co-operating with Mackensen. French experts opine that if the Roumanians arc defeated they will retire to a prepared line on the Serketh-Ar-geres, where the Russians are in strong force.

It is reported from Zurich that the civilian population has evacuated Bucharest. ROTTERDAM, Dee 2. The latest news is that the Germans are ten miles from Bucharest forts, and arc approaching the city’s last river line six miles from the forts. Falkenhayn’s troops arc very near the oilfield. The Daily Mail fear that the enemy has captured vast herds of sheep and cattle, thereby greatly increasing their supply of fats, LONDON Dee 2. The converging German movement greatly endangers Bucharest, the close investment of which is threatened if Mackensen crosses flic Argcsu rives oast of Komana.

GERMANS CLAIM BIG CAPTURES

LONDON, Dec 2. Details of the opoations in Rouraania are chiefly from enemy sources. Berlin’s latest message claims that the Germans captured 7000 prisoners and S 3 gulls during the last two days. According to Paris, the Roumanians are liolding up the enemy west of Bucharest/ A most violent battle is proceeding on a considerable front, showing a complete volte face by the Roumanians, who arc concentrated west and south-west of the belt of forts around the capital.

Exports emphasise that the operations of the Roumanian army are not bound up in Falicagul.

BRUSILOFF TRYING TO GET BE-

HIND FALKENHAYN,

ROME Dec 2,

Nows from German sources shows that there is great concern in Berlin at the incredible violence of the Russian attacks on the north-west frontier of Hungary, and getting behind Falkcnhayn's army in Wallachia. The Archduke Josef is demanding large reinforcements, fearing that he cannot longer resist the Russian pressure. The success of the Russians at Kirlibaba may result in the capture of Jakobleny and Dornawatra, enabling them to cross the Carpathians and descend the Transylvanian plains through th e Szamos Valley, thus helping them

to re-establish, even if the capital is lost. Marcel Hutin thinks it difficult to avert the fate of Bucharest. GRAND DUKE TO THE RESCUE. PARIS, Dec 2. An important Russian array, under the Grand Duke Nicholas, has concentrated to aid the Roumanians. ROUMANIAN ARMY STILL INTACT (Times). LONDON, Dec 2. The Roumanian army is still intact, with its heavy artillery and guns. The Russian offensive from the Moldavian border cannot immediately affect the Wallachian position. The Germans state that the Russo-Eoumanians arc using British armoured cars in the Dobrudja. Two were destroyed. ROTTERDAM, Dee 2. General von Bluner, writing in the Kolnischc Zcitung, : ,says the Central Powers intend to permanently annex parts of Eoumania with the object of protecting the Baghdad route, and securing a permanent additional cbm supply. PETROGRAD Dec 2. Private advices have been received that the Russians fought across intervening heights and gained a footing in Kirlibaba. Furious street fighting is proceeding. The Germans have concentrated big reserves, and are counterattaiking.

DESPERATE RUSSIAN ATTACKS

GERMAN REAR THREATENED

Received 9.10 PETROGRAD, Dec 3

The Russian success in the wooded Carpathians caused Falkenhayn to delay his advance, fearing his rear would be threatened. Moreover, the Roumanians, encouraged by the Russian attach, assumed a resolute offensive in the Bu ZCII Valley, and threatened to descend on Brasso. The Russian advance on the frontier of Bukowina in Hungary is developing with the utmost eneigj, and the road to Marraorssziget is now under the fire of the Russian guns. The Russians overcame the desperate German resistance at Kirlibaba, and also seized Ruriukala height, near the rear of the enemy's position. The Gcr-man-Bulgar reverse at, Comana temporarily arrested the attempt to reach Bucharest in that direction. Nevertheless, a fresh crossing of the Danube in Turtukai is threatened. Meanwhile the Rnsso-Roumania ns regard the preservation of the Roumanian army as essential, even if it is necessary to temporarily abandon Bucharest.

RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN. RUSSIA’S COUNTER. TO ROUMANIAN INVASION. LONDON, Doc 1. The Daily Telegraph’s Petrograd correspondent cables that when the situation in Roumania was desperate, Russia intervened with an offensive on a two hundred miles front in the Kirlibab area, retarding Falkenhayn’s and Maekenscn’s operations. The terrain is most difficult consisting of densely wooded mountains, ranging up to a height of seven thousand feet, thinly populated, and devoid of means of communication. The movement began favourably. FEELING THE PINCH. REGULATING FOOD SUPPLIES IN NEUTRAL COUNTRIES. Received 10.5 STOCKHOLM, Dec 3 The Scandinavian countries arc seriously considering the food problem. Prices have risen abnormally in Norway, and Denmark, and in a lesser degree in Sweden, which has adopted a limited system of food tickets. The maximum prices are now extending owing to the scarcity of butter, flour and milk. Fixed standard for flour has been made, insisting on 75 per cent, of extracted wheat. The penalty is imprisonment for failure to observe the standard. The State controls grain production next year, Norway has coped with the difficulty by instituting communal provisioning councils, largely and successfully run by women. War food stores have been opened in many centres. BELGIAN DEPORTATIONS AMERICAN ACTION.

Received 9.15

WASHINGTON, Dec 3

A great mass meeting is arranging to protest against the Belgian deportations. Clergymen and University presidents are also sending a memorial to Germany. The Administration is preparing a further vigorous representation. It possesses evidence absolutely refining the German plea that deportations are designed to give employment to the idle. It is ascertained that many profitably employed workmen were forced to go to Germany to do military work.

GREECE. A DEFINITE REFUSAL. TO SURRENDER ARMS AND GUNS. ATHENS, Dec 1 In reply to Admiral du Fournet 's threat to land troops failing’ compliance with his demands.! the Government has definitely refused to surrender the guns and arms claimed. ,ALLIED TROOPS LANDED. FIRING BEGINS Received 11.45 ATHENS, Dec 3. The King agreed to surrender six batteries of mountain guns on Admiral du Fournet agreeing to withdraw all troops except 300 guards at Zapperon. The' arrangement was referred to the Entente Governments. Exciting scenes occurred before the announcement of the King's surrender. Greek troops attempted to prevent the Allies passing certain points. Collisions and rifle firing ensued and continued all the afternoon. There was also a lively fusilade between Royalists and Vcnizelists. Guns boomed at intervals. They were said to be the French bombarding the hill behind the palace. A great panic prevailed. LONDON, Dec 2. A wireless message says a detachment of Allied troops (consisting of British, French and Italian contingents) disembarked without incident. The Government requisitioned the University and Polytechnic Institute in order to forestall occupation by Allied forces. ROME, Dec 2. Correspondents at Athens telegraph that the Greek army is marching north, taking guns. The sudden movement is causing intense anxiety. LONDON, Dec 2. Mr Jeffries, at Athens, says that the firing began near the Thesian station — the terminus of the Piraeus line— between French and Greek troops. The city is panic-stricken. Streets and shops an; closed. Two French cruisers entered Phaloron. The city is full of reservists. An earlier message says the Greek forces arc marching from Thessaly, Phthiotis and Chaulus in the lightest order, but the Athens correspondent of the Corriore della Sera says that the Greek army is marching northward, fully equipped, towards the rear of the Allied army.

The Daily Mail’s Athens correspondent says the King’s definite refusal to hand over the guns was received on Friday morning. The first shots were fired during the afternoon. These were on the station close to the Acropolis. Crowds were soon mushing into the streets and shops shutting up. Shortly afterwards a messenger arrived at fire British Legation stating that the firing had occurred on the slopes of the Acropolis between French sailors ana reservists. ZURICH, Dec 2. The Frankfurter Zcitung publishes a scmi-oflicial statement that if Yenizelists participate in the fighting,, the German authorities have decided that they shall be trcatel as rebels against their King. WASHINGTON Dec 3. The Greek Government’s note to the United States, protesting against the Allies’ actions, points out that Greece, after extended consideration, decided not to participate in the war, because it was impossible fo obtain the nce<?ggmy guarantee not to be doomed to inevitable destruction. It is untrue their sympathy was with either group. Owing to their geographical situation they were forced to submit to the occupation of provinces seizure of public services, also the abandonment of vessels. For a long time Greece lias been nliable to import necessaries, but the army, navy.and Government unanimously rejected and continue to reject, Admiral Fnnrnef’s latest demand of the war material, which it considers a serious assault on its sovereign rights, Greece feels it her duty to expose the situation to the United States.

THE ATHENS FIGHTING. ATHENS, Dec 3. The “Daily Chronicle’s” Athens correspondent says many wore killed and wounded at the Zappeion Buildings. The Greeks on the Acropolis slopes, prisonered thirty French. In the afternoon the fleet bombarded positions on the southern hills. Two has agreed to hand over six batteries. Shells fell in the centre of the city. Received 31.45 PARIS Dee 3. The Echo do Paris says: “In the tragic adventure in v: iu-r. : the I roach flag is more ("uuvrncd than any other. If was the French uniforms that Constantino’s troops fired on especially, and it is the French reputation that Constantine is about’to besmirch with ignoble calumnies that French cannonaded Athens, the metropolis of civilisation.” It adds: “Lot us defend our honour and avenge our dead.” Le Journal© says: “We are going to exact reparation and sanctions for the future safety of the nation.

THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN. ITALY PREPARING. I FOE HUNS’ FUTURE OFFENSIVE. LONDON, Dec I. t The Daily Telegraph’s Rome coraej spondent states that the contemplated German offensive on the Italian front lis widely discussed. The Austrians retain only a small portion of their advance into Italian territory, corresponding to the radius dominated by the Austrian forts from Sommealto to Lavarone in Val Sagana. The preparations, which have been carried on with great activity, indicate that the Germans contemplate an offensive of a wider range. A short railway has been completed between Egua and Cavalcsc, on the Avisio 25 miles north-east of Trent, and is being rapidly extended to Prcdazzo five miles further north. This suggests that the projected offensive extends to the Dolomite region, where the Italians have taken up a strong position on Colbri- • con and Monte Cauriol Two divisions of Austrians have alI ready arrived. The proclamations of i the divisional commanders told the soldiers that they must be prepared to shed the last drop of blood to prevent the Italians entering th e heart of the Trentino. The Italian lines are incomparably stronger and better prepared than in May when the Austrian offensive was launched.

IN THE AIR. ITALIAN ACTIVITY RAILWAY STATIONS BOMB LIT ROME, Doc I \ An Italian ollicial communique says: Ourair squadrons dropped numerous bombs on the railway stations at Stolanb and Eeifonberg, causing damage and fires. ROW IN REICHSTAG. SOME HUMANE TEUTONS. BELGIAN SLAVERY DENOUNCED. Received 10.50. AMSTERDAM, Dec 3. In the Reichstag, the discussion on the Civilian Compulsion Bill became ; very heated. Socialists denounced I the enslavement of women, and the deportation of Belgians. Von Haase and Dittman summoned the Government to restore freedom to those working, especially to the Belgians, whose deportation was contrary to The Hague Convention, j Helferrich deplored the discussion, | which would have a bad effect on the troops at the front. He asserted that the forcing of Belgians to work was in accordance with international law. It was intolerable that an idle, turbui lent population should remain in the war zone.

THE WAY OF THE HUN. 2000 EXECUTIONS PETEOGRAD, Doc 1. Refugees state that the Germans in the past nine months have eourt-mar-tialled and executed 2000 inhabitants of the Eussian province of Courland for alleged treason and espionage AN EXPRESSION OF REGRET Eeeeived 5.55 AMSTEEDAM, Dec M. Herr Zimmerman announced in the German Eeichstag that the Greek Minister had expressed the Hellenic Government’s regret at its inability to prevent the departure of the Ministers of friendly states. COMPULSORY CIVILIAN SERVICE. Eeeeived 5.55 AMSTERDAM, Dec. 3 The German Eeichstag by 253 to 19 passed the third reading of ‘‘The Compulsory Civilian Service Bill.” PEACE OVERTURES. GERMANY SEEKING PEACE. LONDON, Dec 1 Apropos of the pro-Gfcrman peace manoeuvring in ‘America* the Daily Mail’s 'RoUterdam correspondent lujnounees that certain persons have arrived in Holland from Germany with ft view to getting into touch with politicians in various countries interested the the peace propaganda. GERMANY READY TO DISCUSS PEACE LONDON, Doc 2. Count von Bethmann-Hollweg told an American interviewer that Germany is ready to discuss peace, but solely for the sake of humanity—not from fear. Admiral von Tirpitz sent a message to the German Navy League, that unless Germany reaches a position of equality with Britain after the war, Germanism will pine away.

THE DUMA RE-OPENED. RUSSIA WILL FIGHT ON. TILL VICTORY IS ATTAINED. DESPITE ANY TEMPORARY CHECKS. ENEMY’S POWER IS SHAKEN. IMMENSE EFFORTS STILL REQUIRED. TO BREAK HIS RESISTANCE. Received 10.5 C. PETROGRAD, Dec 3. The Duma has re-opened. The Premier stated that Russia will never lay down arms till complete victory has been attained, whatever difficulty in the way of temporary checks may be encountered. The power of the enemy is shaken, but immense efforts are still required to definitely break his re sistance. He regretted there were food transport difficulties in many localities. The Government would take measures to firmly establish order behind the armies. He recognised the necessity for ' ast railway construction, for increase m the production of metals,' fuel, erection of munition factories, and tne de\ elopment of technical education. A Bill would he introduced for compulsory elementary education. AN EMPHATIC DENIAL. Received h. 55 COPENHAGEN, Dec 3. Great Britain has emphatically denied The German allegation that she is seeking to secure the transit of war material to Russia via Sweden. RAISING MONEY IN JAPAN. Received 9.15. LONDON. Doc 3. A public issue has been arranged of ten millions sterling of British exchequer bonds in Japan, with a view of getting dollars by remitting the proceeds to America. The issue is of triclinium currency, six ffier cent, par value, no collateral. GERMANY’S PRISONERS OF WAR. Received 11.45. AMSTERDAM, Dec 3. An official Berlin statement gives the number of prisoners of war in Germany to Ist August as 1,665,794. Deaths among prisoners during the war were 29,297, including 6032 from tuberculosis, 4201 from spotted fever, and 6270 from wounds. The cases of tuberculosis are decreasing.

POLISH AUTONOMY. POLAND’S RULER. Received 11.45. LONDON, Dec 3. Vienna advices report that negotiations between the German and Austro Hungarian Governments for a choice of a Polish Regent have been concluded. He will be chosen from a Catholic Dynasty. BRAZIL TO SECURE GERMAN VESSELS. Eeeeived 9.15. WASHINGTON, Dee. 3. Negotiations have boon commenced by BVazil for the acquisition of forty German vessels in Brazilian ports.