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Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1915, Page 4

AXGLO-FRTCNCH WAR COUNCIL. Among the many cirticisms that have been made in England upon the conduct of the war there is not one that was more justified than that referring to ths need for co-ordination by a central authority, so "as to conduce to prompt and united action in dealing with the successive problems which the Allies have to face. It is becoming; move anil more evident that the visit of General Joffre to London has brought about a much needed awakening to the gravity of the crisis, and paved the way for a now departure relative to the methods for dealing with the acute problems that have arisen consequent on Germany's new programme. The first visible effect of tIU» was evidenced by Lord Kitchener's

departure for the Xcar .Kast, and now there is a project lor the formation of a Common War Council composed of Anglo-French Ministers, and assisted by expert advice from the United Cenoral Stall'. It is significant that Die announcement of this step was received in the House of Commons with cheers. There can be 110 doubt that the formation of such a Council for the purpose of controlling the conjoint military and naval operations will be a great factor in engendering absolute confidence In the conduct of the war, and have an important bearing in shortening its duration, besides conducing to its triumphal conclusion. The jdan of strengthening the general staff and the interchange of officer* at the War Office with those at the front, coupled with daily intercommunications between French and British officers must commend itself to the citizens of both countries, and to every member of the British Empire. U will supply the missing link in the chain of the Allied operations, and will bring about unity of action together with a concentration of the beat and ablest military experts of the two countries iu devising the best means for defeating the enemy. Those who fully realise the consequences that should ensue from this momentous step cannot but feel profound relief that at last the conduct, of tlie war is being placed on a sensible and businesslike basis. We can now, more than ever, regard the future with calm confidence, but must none the less throw every available man into the field, regardless of the great sacrifices entailed. From now onwards there must be but one aim—to carry out to a triumphant conclusion the great work for which the Empire has given its sons ungrudgingly in the cause of freedom and peace.