The Daily News. MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 1916. PREPARING FOR THE SPRING.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 1916. PREPARING FOR THE SPRING.

Any statement made by the British Minister of Munitions (Mr. Lloyd George) is always read with interest, and that which appears' in to-day's cables, as the result of an interview given to the Italian paper II Sccolo, will certainly be no, exception to the rule. It is one of the most satisfactory pronouncements that the Minister has yet made, and indicates that Britain is preparing to put forth, in the very near future, her full strength of men and munitions. The whole tenor ol the statement is charged with optimism and whole-hearted confidence, and it seems almost as if the Minister felt that at last he was entirely satisfied with the outlook, and with the efficacy of the preparations Britain has been and is making for the great and ■ decisive struggle in the coming spring. When the Minister states that lie is satisfied with the munitions output, and gives dotails to justify the statement, we may rest assured that all is well in that important department. At the same time he indirectly explains Mr. Asquith's recent remarks on the subject. Wc arc now told that not only can Britain supply her own requirements, but those of the Allies, particularly Russia.) There is also a further ground for confidence in victory due to the fact that the Allies are at last taking counsel together so as to act on definite plans and he in complete accord concerning all movements of the forces. This factor alone adds enormously to the strength of the Allies, and permits of crushing blows being delivered on several fronts simultaneously. France, Eussia, and Italy having reorganised their armies, and Britain having now three million men under arms and another million ready in the spring, justify the Minister's statement that the military pressure, on the enemy was becoming greater, while the enemy was becoming weaker by spreading hii frontiers; hence the process of strangulation, though slow, is sure. The colossal nature of the task which the Minister has undertaken is apparent from the fact that there are 2500 factories and a million and three-quarters pcopls engaged on munitions work. The gratifying feature of the situation is that the Central Powers know that their chance 'of victory has gone and their power is on the wane.' They may make desperate efforts to effect as mudi destruction as lies in their power, hut, though Mich tactics would be only in accord with those of the past, and must be expected, they will not impede the complete and crushing defeat which the Allies will administer, and thereby secure the future peace of the world.