MAN-POWER IN WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1918, Page 8

MAN-POWER IN WEST.

| ARMY OF MANOEUVRE I London, l)o>\ 14. During his speech at the dinner given by the heads of tile air service, Mr. Lloyd George warned the people against undue elation over victories and despondency over set-backs. This was not tlio most propitious hour, ho aaid. Russia'* threatened retirement would strengthen Hohenzollerism and weaken the forces of democracy, but her action would not lead to universal peace. It would limoly prolong vhe world's agony. The withdrawal of over one-third of the enemy strength from the eastern front, owing to Russia's intention, meant, the release of .hundreds of thousands of troops and .masses of material to attack Great. BriFrance, and fclaly. , j he >"o3t momentsua fact of the year, :'lr. Lloyd George, pointed out, bad been <.. Ie onery of the American democracy into tne struggle against military autocracy. tl transposed the «holo situation Britain, with only one-third or the population of Russia, had been during ! tl.c last two years a more formidable military obstacle tha». Russia to Germany, hut there was no more powerful country in the world than Ameilck, who was stepping into Russia's nlac-e. "She is not yet prepared, but zeen will be. Hence the desperate efforts of the AustlO;f.ormans to force the issue before she is ready. They wli! r.ol sueeejd, but the collapse of Russia and. the temporary defeat of Italy have undoubtedly cas* upon us n, heavies? shi.re of Lbs iwrden, pending America's readiness." Britain must therefore, Mr Lloyd C.'orgc emphasised, be prepared for greater efforts and sacrifices. Britain's will was as tempered steel. There was no sign of a break within, and although the pressure might— would—increase, he never doubted it would bear it all ri"ht to the end. They would have to call upon the nation for further sacrifice, but it was absolutely necessary now. There must he a further drain upon the manpower in order to sustain the allies until the .American army arrived. ."We must have enough men to defend .fhe lines held for three years, and defend from against all-comers from any enemy front. Wo must also have an iirmy of manoeuvre which would enable u.» to appe:ir with the least delay at any point of emergency in any part of the colossal battlefield."