BRITISH CABINET CHANGES

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

BRITISH CABINET CHANGES

A COMPROMISE LIKELY HUNS STILL ADVANCING IN ROUMANIA BUCHAREST FORTS BOMBARDED SERVIANS CAPTURE HEIGHTS MACHINE GUNS TURNED ON FRENCH ADMIRAL AMPLE REPARATION DEMANDED tHe SITUATION STILL SERIOUS

BRITISH POLITICAL CRISIS A POSITION OF. INCREASING GRAYITY. ME ASQUITH’S RESIGNATION DEMANDED. GOVERNMENT TO BE RECONSTRUCTED. „ LONDON, Dec 4. Tlio latest news shows that the Coalition is in the gravest peril. Lord Curzon, Messrs Bonar Law, Chamberlain, Long, Crawford, Duke and Smith and Sir Edward Carson attended a meeting of Unionist members' of the Cabinet and decided to send a letter asking Mr Asquith to resign, otherwise the Unionists would leave the Cabinet and compel Cabinet reconstruction. Immediately after jthe conference, Mr Bonar Law went to Downing Street and interviewed Mr Asquith, who had hurriedly returned from Welmer, where he had been w T cek-ending. Later Mr Lloyd George called. The three Ministers consulted together. The extent ■to which Mr Lloyd George and the Unionists are acting together is a matter •of conecture, but it seems certain there is\un understanding between them. Reynold’s newspaper’s statement was manifestly inspired. It was doubtless written t>y Sir Henry Dalzicll to sum up Mr Lloyd George’s position. It suggests that Mr Lloyd George will appeal fi’om the Cabinet direct to the people. It is probable he will make 'a statement in the Commons, but more likely will commence a campaign in a large Midland town or his own constituency. He certainly has no intention of effacing himself. There is every indication’ that there will be a Lloyd George-Carson combination in favour of a more vigorous prosecution of the war. It is no secret that Mr Lloyd George has not been happy in the Cabinet for some considerable time, being conscious that his efforts for a more vigorous prosecution of the war did not receive support iu certain quarters which he had a right to expect. His strenuous battle fowfhe greater production of munitions was never fully encouraged, and malignant personal attacks jn Liberal undermined his influence with the working classes.

THE CAUSE OF THE CRISIS. NATIONAL ORGANISATION IMPERATIVE. LONDON, Dec 3. The “Daily Telegraph,” discussing the root of the causes of the political crisis, says: Every problem .is traceable to the lack of organised manpower. We nowrequire a general levy On man-power, and possibly woman Also, the nation must be organised from end to end with the sole aim of winning the war. Owing the partial failure of the harvest in America, we must get most of our grain from Australia, necessitating a voyage three or four times as long. In every direction the cry is for men, who are required to build battleships and merchant ships and man both fleets. There is now a tug of war between the Admiralty and the Board of Trade, both of whom state that their difficulties are due to the War Office, who have weakened the shipyards. Somebody must he appointed superior to the conflicting claims of the Admiralty, the War Office, and the Board of Trade. Similarly, the Admiralty, three years ago, - decided that every merchant ship should be armed. The Admiralty was told the guns would be forthcoming when the requirements of the Army were satisfied. The. public demand for anti-aircraft guns added additional embarrassment. This created another impasse between the three departments. The office controlling the food supply had been offered half a dozen men. All refused owing to doubt regarding power to overrule the Admiralty, War Office, Ministry of Munitions, and B'oard of Trade. Regarding aviation, the Navy claim the right to manufacture special therefore-it must have complete control of its own air service. The Air Board claims that it must regulate the design and supply of all aircraft to the Army and Navy. Under present conditions, it is undoubtedly undesirable that there should be competition between the Admiralty and War Office in placing orders for aircraft.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S DESIRES. LONDON, Dec 4. The “Times” states that Mr. Lloyd George on Friday wrote to Mr. Asquith proposing a War Committee, to have afeolute control of the war, consisting of himself. Sir Edward Carson, Mr. Bonar Law, and a Labour member, possibly Mr. Arthur Henderson, who would activelly co-operate with Admiral Jellicoe and Sir 'William Robertson. On Saturday, Mr. Asquith informed Mr. Lloyd George that he was prepared to accept a reduction in the number of the War Committee, but was unable to accept the proposal that it should have unlimited power to conduct the war. There were also difficulties regarding the proposed exclusions from the committee. Mr. Bonar Law then informed Mr. Asquith that his Unionist colleagues supported Mr. Lloyd George. Lord Derby -was also prepared to resign. The Cabinet has not yet been consulted. Mr. Asquith resumes conversations with his colleagues to-day. MR. ASQUITH HAS AUDIENCE WITH THE KING. Received 10.55. LONDON, Dec 4. Mr. Asquith had an hour’s audience with the King before the House of Commons met.

Official.—Mr Asquith, with a view to th e more effective prosecution of the war, has decided to advise the King to consent to the reconstruction of the Government. .V OV THE SITUATION IMPEOVED LONDON, Dec 4. The Daily Telegraph, writing after Mr Asquith’s announcement of a reconstruction of the Government, says: The situation improved later on Sunday. There is now reason to believe that Messrs Asquith, Bonar Law and Lloyd George will remain in their refSpcctive (Offices, Sir Carson ■becoming a member of the War Council of the Cabinet without a portfolio. --

A COUNCIL FORECAST. LONDON, Dec 4. The Daily Chronicle says: The changes in the Government will not be numerous. They will include a small War Council with executive powers, and the strengthening of the Labour element in the Government. Mr Asquith will make a brief statement in the House of Commons to-day. Possible Messrs Bonar Law and Balfour will exchange offices. If so, the War Council will consist of Messrs Asquith, Lloyd George Law and Sir Edward Carson. The Daily Chronicle protests against the way in which Mr Asquith is daily assailed with every circumstance of vulgarity by the Northeliffe press.

THE ROUMANIAN CAMPAIGN.

GREECE. THE ATHENS TROUBLE. ALLIES ORDERED* NOT TO FIRE? ATHENS, Doc ‘i. The position here is still obscure. The indications are that Allied detachments/were landed as a measure of precaution with orders not to seize the war material which the King in October promied to surrender to the Allies as compensation for that delivered to Bulgaria and Germany. Meanwhile, Greek troops suddenly assumed the offensive, and the events cabled followed Subsequently 600 Anglo-Egyptian marines marched out of Zappeion, with all equipment, under a strong guard, en route to the Piraeus. A detachment of Italian marines who took refuge in the Archaeological .School, were permitted quietly to depart under Greek escort. A Venizelist newspaper states that the provinces are excited. Allied supporters have been expelled from the cgntrol of many railway stations and telegraph offices. THE ALLIES’ CHILDLIKE FAITH. HAVE BEEN BETRAYED, DEFIED AND DISGRACED. ALLIES ’ INCOMPREHENSIBLE B RENDERINGS • Received 9.10 NEW YORK, Dec. -L The New York Times, in' a loader, tsates that the Athens news will be received in that country with astonishment and indignation. The Allies have again been betrayed, defied and disgraced by King Constantine and his Government. The strength of the Allied troops landed is altogether inadequate, and the weakness was due to their childlike faith in the King’s assurances that there would be no disturbance. The British, finding certain positions held by the Greeks, withdrew, and were then treacherously fired upon. Prompt drastic measures were required in order to restore the seriously impaired prestige of the Allies, and to protect the Allied force in Salonika from further menace. The whole story of our dealings with Constantine is a long succession of incomprehensible- 'Plunderings. Dr R M. Burrows writes to the Times that every Greek regards the events of Friday and Saturday as crushing and humiliating to Britain and France, and a proof that they no longer believe in their own power, or have confidence in their final victory. There is still time to take strong measures in order to maintain their position, in the Mediterranean. M. Venizelos states that the Greek Government has treacherously and persistently disregarded promise not to obstruct the Venizelist movement.

GERMAN SUCCESS. DUE TO TECHNICAL SUPERIORITY. LONDON, Dec. 4 The Daily Chronicle’s correspondent at the southern Russian" headquarters says the main danger to Bucharest is from the south. The astonishing facility with which the Germans crossed the Danube was due to technical superiority. Mackansen established powerful, long-range batteries at many points on the right bank. Several islands prevented Russian and Roumanian gunboats from navigating the river. Simultaneously other long-range batteries drove back the Roumanian batteries on the left bank, which vainly tried to stop the Germans. Then Austrian monitors intervened to protect the German landing. Mackenson’s rush was realty a victory in a sprint race to Bucharest in which the. Allies were outstripped. Meanwhile Russia has not been idle. She extended her front over a hundred miles, assisted by dense fogs, which fortunately shrouded the risky operations. The risk was greater because it was temporarily necessary to thin some parts of the front while reinforcements were being brought from the rear. Brusilov’s southern army is now able to threaten Palkenhayn’s left Rank and rear. The Russians are attacking with great resolution between the Moldavian town of Ocua and Fs’w-"'-They have reached the river'Trotus

BRAVE RUSSIAN LIEUTENANT. LONDON Dee 3. A bravo Russian lieutenant and a small body of men rushed a mountain ravine and surprised a pioneer who was attempting to blow up a bridge. He wag captured and prevented from destroying the bridge, which is one of Falkenhayn’s main lines of communications. A Berlin official says: The battle of Arguscl, northwest of Bucharest, was won by the ninth army. The Kaiser has ordered the church bolls to be rung to-day in Prussia and Alsace-Lorraine. A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER. LONDON, Dee 3. The storming of Kirlibaba was a desperate business. Many houses were captured and re-captured several times Machine-guns were everywhere, and there was rifle ¥ire from every window, roof and cellar. The Russians also occupied the summits commanding the railway to Manmarossziget, in Hungary.

We occupied Asaul Suitor in the Argis valley. The fighting is assuming the character of a great battle. The Roumanians were outflanked by cavalry from the south, returning south-east-wards. The Roumanians, south of Bucharest, with the assistance of the Russians,, have been sueeosfully developing operations. At least twenty-six guns have been captured. ROUMANIANS TAKE PRISONERS. LONDON, Dee 3 . Roumanian official.- —In the course of various attacks in Moldavia and north Wallachia, we took considerable prisoners. On the western front we retired towards Titu. We defeated and drove back southward a division of Turks. The main body of Germans and Bulgars arc in the regions of Glavacioc and Neaglov. A GERMAN ADVANCE LONDON, Dec. 4 A Berlin communique records an advance from Kimpolung and Pitescn, crossing the Argesul river and capturing 2SC>3 prisoners and fifteen guns.

ROUMANIANS RETIRING. OBSTINATE FIGHTING. Received 10.50. LONDON, Dec 4. A Roumanian communique statOs the Roumanians are retiring to Pilestc in the Toncovista region. There is obstinate fighting between Alexandria and Bucharest. BOMBARDING BUCHAREST FORTS Received 10.50. LONDON, Dec 4. Berlin reports state that the German forces have begun the bombardment of the Bucharest forts. CONQUERED ROUMANIAN TERRITORY. TO BE UTILISED. Received 10.35. AMSTERDAM, Dec 4. General von Scheppe, Governor of the invaded portion of Roumania, -has been instructed to use Roumanian land similarly to that of Belgium and Poland, taking into account the needs of the Roumanian population and the needs ,cf the Central Powers, which have been illegally cut off from tup high seas by England.

FRIDAY’S FIGHTING. GREEK TREACHERY RESPONSIBLE. LONDON, Dec 4. Details of Friday’s events at Athens are not yet known in London or Paris. It is understood that King Constantine assured the Allied Ministers that no disturbances need be feared. The contingents of sailors and marines landed were therefore small. When the British proceeded to take up the position assigned, they found a strong Greek' force in possession. While the British were retiring, the Greeks treacherously fired. The British suffered considerable casualties. The Greeks also turned machine-guns on the French contingent, whereupon the Allied -warships opened fire. Constantine then proposed an armistice, on condition that the warships ceased fire. The Allied contingents were withdrawn, the Greeks handing over six batteries instead of ten. ‘AMPLE REPARATION DEMANDED. PARIS, Dee. 4. The Allied Governments are taking measures to obtain reparation for the Greek attack. Allied Ministers, acting under instructions, replied to the Greek Government’s offer to hand over six batteries that the position was now ton serious. ‘The Greek Government must make amends corresponding with the gravity of the outrage. THE CASUALTIES. ______ ATHENS, Dec 4. The commander of the First Greek Army Corps announces that the casualties during the disturbance were:— Greeks: 29 killed and 54- wounded; French marines 49 killed and 97 wounded. SIT UAIT ON UN TREMBLY GRA VE, Received 10.50 LONDON, Dec 4. Lord Cecil, in the House of Commons, said the situation in Greece was extremely grave. The Government considers King Constantine and his Government are deeply involved, and the Allies are dismissing the taking of immediate radical measures.

GREEK AMBASSADOR RESIGNS. Received 10.55. LONDON, Dec 4. M. Gradious, Greek Minister in London, has resigned as a protest against the Greek Government’s policy. MACHINE-GUNS TURNED ONFRENCH ADMIRAL. Received 10.55. ATHENS, Dec 4. It is reported that a hot-headed reservist fired the first shot, starting Friday’s battle. Admiral du Fournet was standing on the steps of the Zappeion, surrounded by French officers Avhen two Greek machine-guns opened fire, and six officers were wounded. French destroyers opened a brief bombardment as the outcome of the Greeks firing against the Zappeion before Admiral Fournet quitted the building. The bulk of the Allied troops withdrew at night under the escort ,of Greek troops. A number still remain at Piraeus. It is reported the Allies lost 30 killed and numerous casualties. The Greek losses are heavier. CIVILIAN MOBILISATION. BREAD AND PEACE DEMONSTRATION. Received 10.55. AMSTERDAM, Dec 4. The German Mobilisation Bill includes women. A demonstration of servants and soldiers’ wives was held in the Charlottenburg Town Hall, and protested against being forced to work in factories, and demanded bread and peace.

DETAILS OF THE FIGHTING. _ KING’S PALACE STRUCK BY ii? ... SHELLS. ' Received 11.30. LONDON, Dec 4. 'Hie “Daily Chronicle’s” Athens’ correspondent says the advancing Allies found the Greeks in strong positions at Philipapus and Obesrvatory Hill, near Akropulis. The Greeks, with superior forces, charged from Philipapus, and it is estimated they prisonered from forty to a hundred. The Allied fleet at Kerastina fired thirty shells, whereof four fell in the neighbourhood of the palace, one damaging the kitchen. Part of a shell, still hot, was shown the King while conferring with the Entente Ministers. An armistice followed, giving relief to the terrorised people. The population gathered ip the streets of Piraeus on Sunday, witnessing the funeral of fifty-four British anc French, who were killed on Friday. The Entente representatives attended. Reports are being spread in Athens that Castoria and Monastir have been taken with a view to encouraging a warlike spirit. Diplomacy makes little progress, ana it may almost be said a state of war exists. The Allied Ministers are conferring with Admiral du Fournet. Greek patrols are still in the streets of Piraeus. Large numbers of people are fleeing to Athens. It is rumoured the next Greek move will be to advance to Piraeus. THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN. BULGARS RETIRING IN DISORDER Received 10.50 PARIS, Dec A communique states that the Servians carried the heights east of Grunista, the enemy retiring in disorder towards St. Aroirha. GALLIPOLI. COM MISSION ’S REPORT LONDON, Dec 3. The Dardanelles Commission, is preparing an interim report in moderate terms, which, nevertheless, according to the Sunday Times, will fully indicate Mr Winston Churchill’s responsibility for the conception of the expedition. The minority may insist on an independent and more pronounced report IMPORTANCE OF CONSTANTINOPLE . Received 10.55 PARIS, Dec. 4 Tiie Echo de Paris states that had the Russians possessed Constantinople Germany would never have been‘able to prepare for war. It was only by giving Russia Constantinople that we can prepare plans for peace.

ON THE WESTERN FRONT. INTENSE ARTILLERY DUEL. SUCCESSFUL AIR RAID. PARIS, Dec. 3. A French communique reports an intense artillery duel at Barloux, the day being quiet elsewhere. Seven of our aeroplanes last night heavily bombarded factories at Thionville, and hangars and cantonments at Eton. The Germans again fired heavy shells into Nancy. A FRENCH REPORT. Received 10.50 PARIS, Dec 4. Enemy attacks at Barlcaux and southeast of Motzeral, in Alsace, failed. A- BRITISH REPORT LONDON, Dec 4. General Sir Douglas Haig reports hostile shelling of Guedecourt and Fonqucvillers. We heavily bombarded the neighbourhood of Nonehes. BELGIAN DEPORTATIONS “ORGANISED TRADE IN CIVILISED MEN.’’ Received 5.45 ! NEW YORK, Dec. 4. M. de Wiart, Belgian Minister, in a

special cable to the New York World, says; The deportations ar e the result of barbarity and bad faith by Germany caused by the aggregation of German marks in Belgian banks. They have seized five hundred million mams, which has been compulsorily invested in Germany* The invaders planned the ruin of industries, and forced the deportations in order to release Germans for the army. Belgium .supplied fourfifths of the western army’s needs. The total German profits during the occupation arc two thousand million marks. Salaries only are paid to workmen who sign an engagement in registers, and are obliged to work in virtual slavery. De Wiart concludes: “Will the country of Lincoln remain passive in the presence of an organised trade in civilised men?” ON THE SEA. AMERICA’S WARNING TO GERMANY. Received 8.45 WASHINGTON, Doe 4. President Wilson has warned Count BornstorfF, German Ambassador to the United States, against further sinkings of merchantmen .in 'American waters.

SUBMARINE WARFARE. 51 VESSELS SUNK IN FIVE DAYS. LONDON, Dec 4. German submarines sank 12 vessels on Wednesday, seven on Thursday. 10 on Friday, seven on Saturday, and 15 on Sunday. ARMED MERCHANTMAN ADVOCATED. 1 Received 3 0.55. LONDON, Dec 4. Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge states that the arming of merchantmen, which involves the use of sixteen thousand guns, and 22,000 gunner?, does not mean any difficulty, as British cargoes are often carried in neutral vessels. The Germans made it plain that the neutral flag does not protect them from submarining. Sir Cyprian Bridge advocates their extensive use, and submarine craft property supported by the fleet would thus be able to protect our own, as well as neutral merchantmen.

BRITAIN’S LOST CHANCES. LONDON, Dec 4. Mr. Ashmead Bartlett, writing in the “Sunday ■ Times” estimates the British losses on the West front at half a million. There is a high percentage of the best officers. He says the Allies’ blunders in the Near East have made a decisive land victory almost impossible. The real issue has been transferred to the sea. The crux of.the whole situation is a most rigid blockade irrespective of neutral;: opinions. HEROES OF THE SOMME. CASUALTY LIST. Received 9.40. SYDNEY, Dec 5. The following N. Z. casualties occurred in the Australian Forces: Killed in action. —Sec-Lieuts. A. J. Gurr and W. P. Healy. Wounded. —Sec-Lieut. P. V. Storkey (second occasion), Lieut. H. McD. Campbell, Pte L. J. Dutton. 11l: —Cpl C. C. Burnett. Returned to duty.— L-Cpl D. H. Grant and Pte J. Stewart.