CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1915, Page 5

CONDUCT OF THE WAR.

MR. CHURCHILL RESIGNS. FEELING SORE. REJOINS lllS REGIMENT. THE WHY AND WHEREFORE. London, Nov. 12. Mr. Winston Churchill has resigned from the Cabinet. The Press Burerau announces that Mr. Churchill resigned from tlif Government. As he was not included in the War Council he preferred to join his regiment in France. Received Nov. 13, 7.25 p.m. London, Nov. 13. The Press Bureau states that Mr. Churchill wrote to Mr. Asquith on November 11 as follows:—"When I left the. Admiralty 1 accepted an office which entailed few duties, in order, at your request, to take part in the War Council and assist the new Ministers with the knowledge of current operations which I then possessed in a special degree, I cordially agreed in the decision to form a small War Council, and appreciated the intention you expressed six weeks ago to include me as a member. I foresaw the personal difficulties you would have to face in the Council's composition, and I therefore make no complaint that your scheme lias changed; but with the change my work in the Government comes naturally to a close.

"Knowing what I do of the present situation, as an instrument of executive power. I could not accept the general responsibility of the wir policy without an effective share in its guidance and control, even when decisions of principle, rightly taken, and the speed and method of their execution are factors which may determine the result. Nor do I feel able to remain in wellpaid inactivity. Therefore I ask you to submit my resignation to the King. "I place myself unreservedly at the disposal of the military authorities for the purpose of serving my regiment in France. A clear eonscienoe enables me to bear the responsibility of past events with a composure that time will vindicate.

"The administration of the Admiralty assigned to me my due share in the vast series of preparations and operations which has secured the command of the seas.

"With much respect and unaltered personal friendship, I bid' you 'goodbve'."

Mr. Asquith replied: "I hope you will reconsider your decision, but I regret I found I was unable to include you in the Council. You have rendered services, loth to the Council and Administration, which none are better able to appreciate than myself. I am sincerely grieved that you" think it is your duty to leave the Cabinet, but I am certain that you will continue to take an active and effective part in the prosecution of the war. On personal grounds I feel acutely the severance of our long association."