MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1918, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

MR. ASQUITH'S SPEECH. A PROPOSED AMENDMENT. London, May !). Mr. Page Croft, on behalf of the Nationalist Party, will propose an amendment to Mr. Asquith's motion, whereby two naval and military everts will be added to the War Cabinet to ensure the more effective prosecution of the war.— Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. London, May 0. The Unionist War Committee discussed the Maurice affair and decided to support the Government in any division. It is understood that the Liberal War Committee proposes to 'adopt the same course. The Labor Party will await the trend of events revealed in the debate. It is understood that Mr. Lloyd Georga will make a comprehensive statement, replying seriatim to all General Maurice's points. Mr. Bonar Law and Sir Edward Carson will speak later. The Government has definitely nbandoned the proposal for a tribunal of two judges,—Aus. N:Z. Cable Assoc.

LLOYD GEORGE'S REPLY. ALLEGATIONS DENIED. FIGURES 'PROVED TO BE ACCURATE London, May 9. Mr. Lloyd George, replying in the House of Commons, denied General -Maurice's allegations, asserting that the figures .eiven to Parliament were those furnished by the War Office, and investigation showed that the figures were accurate. Mr. Lloyd George said that if the motion was carried Mr. Asquith must again be responsible for the management of the war. Owing to French pressure the British lino had been extended south of Carabrai before the great offensive. General Gough's armies took over a greater length of front than they had previously held. Mr. Asquith's motion for the appointment of a select committee to inquire into General Maurice's charges was defeated by 293 votes to 10C.—Aust. Cable Association.

MR. ASQUITH'S SPEECH. TWO JUDGES AN IMPOTENT TRIBUNAL. A SELECT COMMITTE DESIRED. Received May 10, 5.30 p.m. London, May 9. Mr. Asquith, on rising, disclaimed any intention to embarrass the Government. There had been much misconception regarding his motion for a select committee. He was strongly of opinion it was not parliament's business in war time to constantly be inquiring into tlio conduct of successive phases of the war) still less to be occupying time in investigating the truth or falsehood of illinformed persons' statements. His motion had been absurdly described as a vote of censure. He had no such intention. i Mr. Asquith was warmly applauded on remarking that since he left office he had done his utmost to assist the Government without withholding legitimate and helpful criticism. Uncharitable people suspected him of wanting to return to power. If he wanted the House to censure the Government ho would do so directly and unequivocally. If the Government had a good case they would emerge with enhanced authority. When he gave notice of motion he thought the Government would accept it. Mr. Asquith, proceeding to deal with. General Maurice's letter, said it was a unique incident In the history of the war. General Maurice was a distinguished soldier who explicitly impugned the accuracy of Ministers' statements, though aware of the serious breach of regulations, thus jeopardising his future. Mr. Asquith denied the allegations that he or his colleagues were privy to the publication of the letter. The Government on Tuesday admitted an inquiry ought to be made, but must be secret. He asked if the Government still believed secret documents could not be disclosed to a select committee of the House of Commons. He assumed the Government desired an inquiry. The only question was, what kind? Mr. Asquith still regarded two judges to be an impotent tribunal, unless specially empowered by statute. A small House of Commons committee of five would be proper, more authoritative, and Would command the country's respect. Mr. Asquith asked; What is the alternative? Interjection: Get on with the war! (Cheers.) Mr. Asquith replied that misconceptions must be cleared first. Any Ministerial statement would be merely exparte.—'Press Association. London, May 9. Mr. Bonar Law remarked that ho could not find an unprejudiced select committee. Mr. Asquith, amid loud cheers, deprecated this aspersion on the traditions of the House, and concluded by saying: "I leave it there." Mr. Lloyd George followed, and declared that the demand for a select com. mittee was without parallel. Never before had the House of Commons been asked to inquire into the truth or falsity of a Minister's statements. General Maurice hft<l access to all official information while in office and was the authority for the figures. General Maurice also had access to Ministers, and attended Cabinet the day after Mr. Lloyd George delivered his speech. He did not call attention to the inaccuracy of any statement, though he was daily in contact with Mr. Lloyd George.— Press Association.