CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1915, Page 5

CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

LORD KITCHENER. MEETING OF WAS COUNCIL. AUDIENCE WITH THE KING. London, Nov. 5. Lord Kiteiiei»er and Mr. Asquith, conferred this morning and afterwards the War Council met. The Press Bureau states that Mr. Asquith is carrying on the work of the War Office during Lord Kitchener's temporary absence on public duty. It is pot true that Lord Kitchener has resigned. Received Nov. 7, 3.35 p.m. London, Nov. 5. A Court Circular states that the King gave audience to Lord Kitchener last night. > Newspapers regarded the statement, in view of the King's health, as implying that a matter of grave moment was involved, and wild rumors were circulated in London between 4.30 pjn. and 5.30 pjn. These were finally silenced by the Press Bureau's announcement that Lord Kitchener had not resigned. Papers were eagerly purchased, and there were sensational placards posted everywhere. i- - ~ OPF TO THE EASTERN FRONT. HARMSWORTB PAPER SUPPRESSED NEWSPAPER PROGNOSTICATIONS. Received Nov. 7, 3.50 p.m. London, Nov. •. Official: Lord Kitchener has departed •a a short visit to the Eastern theatre of war. The Preßs Bureau announces that the military authorities have suppressed the Globe newspaper. The police seized yesterday's and to-day's copies and the plant. It is understood the action is due to yesterday's statement in the paper that Lord Kitchener had resigned. The Times say it may be taken for granted that Lord Kitchener's mission is different to visits previously made, and necessitated an absence that would not be uimatural if he devoted himself entirely to consultation with the Allies with a view to a settlement of the tangled Near East problem. The Morning Post says it is generally believed Lord Kitchener's business will necessitate a stay so prolonged that it will be necessary to fill his place in the War Office before long. Though it is true that he has not resigned, this present duty makes it certain that his resignation is only delayed. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. GOING EAST AS SECRETARY OF STATE. Received Nov. 7, 11 pjn. London, Nov. 6. The Press Bureau declares that it is tintrue to suggest that Lord Kitchener tendered his resignation or that his visit to the King had any relation to such subject, or to his visit to the Eastern theatre of war in any way betokens that his resignation is contemplated. On the contrary his visit is undertaken in the discharge of his duty as Secretary of State, which he has no intention of abandoning. WORK IN THE EAST. THE NEED FOR LORD KITCHENER'S PRESENCE. Received Nov. 7, 11.6 pjn. London, Nov. 7The Weekly Despatch says, in reference to Lord Kitchener, that the problems of the immediate future are connected with India as an important recruiting centre for the defence of Egypt, coupled With the necessity of carefully watching German intrigues towards the creation of unrest. There is also concern about our army at Gallipoli; our forees are converging at Bagdad; ,an army is accumulating in Macedonia, and hence there is room for a central coordinating authority at such a convenient spot as Alexandria or Cairo to supervise these varied activities. If Lord Kitchener is going to establish that Authority he is better qualified than anyone else. NEWSPAPER OPINION. Received Nov. 7, 11.5 p.m. London, Nov. 7 Newspapers quote Lord Kitchener's reference in the House of Lords on Augusi 26th that his post was only a temporary one-

A GREAT SOLDIER. MAY YET DIRECT THE FIGHTING MACHINE. Received Nov. 7, 11 pjn. London, Nov. 7. The Evening Standard gays that if the task of organising new armies is completed, Lord Kitchener can put his great gifts to other purposes. He is a great administrator, but is also a great soldier, and may yet be found directing the fight ing machine which he himself created. MR. ASQUITH'S POSITION. A LIGHTENED BURDEN. Received Nov. 7, 11.5 p.m. London, Nov. 7. Newspapers point out that Mr. Asiquitb, as chairman of the Committee of Imperial Defence, is familiar with all war matters, and the task of the Secretaryship of War has been considerably lightened since Mr. Lloyd George became Minister of Munitions and Lord Derby Director of Recruiting