"I DID MY DUTY."

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1918, Page 5

"I DID MY DUTY."

GENERAL MAURICE'S EXPLANATION'. • London, May In. General Maurice linn accepted the position of military correspondent to the Daily Chronicle. In his first article lie says: I only did my duty, not as a disjrrunted soldier who has been turned out of his job and was about to take up important employment in France. T can say, without vault.v, 1 had a promising career before me. I left the service \ love, therefore, 1 have made a very real sacrifice, 1 hope not in vain, t do not, intend to indulge in recriminations, and any criticisms will he constructive. I appealed to Parliament to ini|uire into my statements, and my appeal failed. My case lias not been heard. T paid the penalty of a. breach of discipline which I deeply regret, yet T felt bound to commit. There is nothing more to be said.

Newspaper controversy upon the facts of my letter is obviously impossible. I am prepared to substantiate their correctness before a tribunal appointed by Parliament, f feel an explanation is necessary as to two of Mr. Lloyd George's comments.

First regarding my presence at Versailles when the taking over of the line was discussed. I accompanied the British representatives, attended the first meeting'of the Supreme War Council, and during subsequent meetings I was in the. corridor outside the Council Chamber. During intervals between the meetings I was engaged on work in connection with the questions under examination. Therefore, my statement that I was at Versailles was justified.

The second point is that Mr Lloyd George asked why X nradc no criticisms while in office. Mr. Lloyd George made a Rpeecli on April 9th The report that I was at the House of Commons that day is incorrect. It was that day on which the enemy's attack on Flanders began. Between the ninth and twentieth, when I handed over duties to my successor, I was nv.cli occupied will; duties and war, part of the time in France. I had not leisure for more than a glance at Mr Lloyd George's speech. I departed from the War Office on leave on the twentieth. Then, for the first time I read a full report of Mr Lloyd George's speed), and while on leave I learned of Mr ftonar Law's answers to questions. On the twenty-third of April I returned to London, and on the 20th I saw the Hansard report oE Mr Bonar Law's replies. Then, and not till then. I formed a definite opinion that Mr Bonar law's replies and Mr Lloyd George's statements, taken together, put upon soldiers the responsibility which, .according to my judgment, ought to he borne hy Ministers.

It appeared to me to be a matter of urgency to correct, that impression. T wrote on the 30th to my late chief. General Wilson, pointing out tlie incorrectness of the statements and awaited, a reply until May tith. I could not wait longer, because I was warned to expect orders to go to France on the 10th. I did not.wish to make such charges on the eve of leaving the country."'

General Maurice concludes by denying the suggestions of collusion with other soldiers, or with the opponents of the Government in Parliament, or the Press. He adds: "I acted entirely alone. Nothing was further from my mind than to serve, any partisan or political purpose.''

DOMINIONS' FLAGS. PRESENTED TO EXETER. Received May 10, 11.45 p.m. London, May 10. General M*Cay, Lieutcnant-Gcneral Hart, and Captain Oates, on behalf of their respective Governments, liave presented the Australian, Xew Zealand, and African flags to Exeter, in gratitude of the hospitality extended to overseas troops. The flags have been deposited at the Guildhall with commemorative tablets. The Mayor (Sir James Owen) said the ancient city had never received jifts of greater significance or more emblematic of the unity of the nations of the Empire —Times Service. UNIFICATION OF SUPPLIES. London, May LI An international board will shortly be established to unify the Allies' requirement!! as to food, munitions, and raw materials. The suggestion emanated from America, which is becoming more and more the principal source of supply.—Aus. XX Cable Assoc.

WORKMEN'S COMMITTEES. London, May 15. The Admiralty is establishing shop committees at the Royal dockyards to facilitate the settlement, of questions affecting the workers, also yard committees as appeal bodies. The latter will be Composed of representatives of the workpeople and nominated members, with the superintendent as chairman.— Aim. N.Z. Cable Assoc. CHIEF SECRETARY FOE IRELAXP. Received Hay, 10, 10.30 p.m. London, May 15.

Mr. Bonar Law announced that no change was contemplated in (lie status of Chief Secretary for Ireland, hut in view of the situation the Viceroy will exercise to a greater extent the full responsibility of office.—Press Association.