MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1918, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

SUPREME WAR COUNCIL REVOLT OF GENERALS. PEESS COMMENTS. London. Feb. 1". The Sunday Times had «n intervie with General i,mifrt..o.., ,n«i indicates tl".it lie was dismissed. lie said: "I have not resigned; I can only say I will not accept either position." The Sunday Times' political correspondent, understands that General Plumer (now in command of the British force in Italy) declined to succeed General Robertson. He adds: "It is anticipated that other generals will follow Sir William Robertson into retirements in fact the ?enerals have revolted against the Cabinet. The gravity of their action cannot, be over-estimated." The correspondent blames Lord Derby's spinckss control of the War Office and hints that Lord Derby will resign. H*> points out that Lord Derby- had an audience with the Kins? on Saturday. The Observer hopes that Sir William Robertson's retirement will be temporary, and adds: "The resignation clears the air on the eve of battle, and removes possible risk of friction l>etween ourselves and the Allies." Correspondents of other newspapers emphasise the political side of the situation and regard the reconstruction of the Cabinet, as unlikely, ppinting out that the suggested alternatives to Mr. Lloyd George do no command confidence at home or abroad, but the Government's position is critical The Premier's speech of explanation is eagerly awaited. The Government newspapers challenge Mr. Asquith to test the House with # no-confidence motion, declaring it would result in a fourfold Ministerial majority. A CRAVE CRISIS. OTHER GENERALS MAY RESIGNReceived Feb. IS, 9.15 p.m. London, Feb. 17. Jt is reported that there is a grave crisis between tin; Government and the military generals- It is expected other office;-.:; will follow sSir Win. Robertson into retirement- Already tliere is a dispvite whether Sir Win. Robertson resigned or was dismissed. Sir William l'nhovtson denies that, lie resigned, and says that lie refc.sed 'to awept a reduced position at the War Office. CLOSING UP THE RANKS. RESIGNATION REGRETTED. Received Feb. IS, 8.45 p.m. London. Feb. 17. It is recalled that General Robertson took up the position of Chief of Staff conditionally tlt«t lie had power to communicate direct with Cabinet, also with the commanders in the field without reference to the War Secretary. Newspapers agice that 1m withdrawal will embarrass the Government, but will not affect the course of f,hc war or the War Council's plans- They unanimously regret the s.lep, but urge that the ranl;3 should be closed up in view of the gravity of the situation. "MOST DISASTROUS." ' RF.PINGTON'S VIEWS. v Received Feb- 18, 11.10 p m. London, Feb. 18. Colonel Repington, writing in the Morning Post, states that the removal of General Robertson is justly and universally regarded by the army a3 disastrous. Since Lord Kitchener's death. General Robertson has been the most respected military figure in the Allies' .■•amp. He hail to choose between the broad and easy path of subservience to political dictation and the hard and narrow path of public duty. Ho has chosen the latter, with a single-minded devotion to the country. IMPORTANT DEBATE INEVITABLE. ITS PROBABLE SEQUEL. Received Feb. 19, 145 a.m. London, Feb. 18. The Daily Telegraph's Parliamentary reporter says an important debate is inevitable upon the military changes, and that Mr. Lloyd George will, either on Monday or Tuesday, endeavor to attend the House of Commons and make a statement the sequel of which will probably be a direct issue as to confidence, in the Government upon Mr. Asquith's motion, or Ministers may challenge the opinion of the House. THE TIMES' VIEWS. ALLIED COUNCIL JUSTIFIED. Times Service. Received Fsb. I©, 1.55 am, London, Feb. 18The Times, in a leader dealing with General Robertson, says the Allied Council's agreement rendered imperative the curtailment of the illogical powers conferred on the Chief of Staff for temporary reasons. The Government's alternating bursts of confidence have caused mishandling, and there i 9 an overwhelming case in favor of .the Allied Council's decisions, which did not show the slightest conflict. The Times' lobbyist believes that if [the facts are fully disclosed an effective I attack against the Government is impossible. The Cabinet supports the Premier. MEAT RATIONING. London, Feb. 17. The Press Bureau states that the meat rationing scheme cabled on February 8 will apply to the whole of Britain from March 25.