LAND AND SEA

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10206, 6 April 1911, Page 5

LAND AND SEA

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association— : By Electric Telegraph—Copyright-

BRITAIN'S INADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS. EMPHASIZED BY LORD ROBERTS (Received April 5, 10.40 a.m.) "LONDON, April 4, In the House of Lords, Field-Mar-shal Lord Roberts proposed the following motion: — "That, in view of the altered strategical conditions on land and . sea in Europe, this House views with grave and growing concern, Britain's inadequate naval and military arrangements." Speaking to the motion, Lord Roberts lauded the statesmanlike, manly speech made in the Reichstag by the German Chancellor (Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg), especially his contention that the Empire's armed force must correspond with the Empire's armed resources. Disasters similar to those which had occurred j during the South African War, if re-, ceived at the hands of stronger adver- ■ sary, might mean'the downfall of the j British Empire.

Britain required, said his Lordship, a million adequately-trained men in addition to. the regulars, in order to give the Navy perfect freedom of" action. He urged the appointment of a Royal Commission. Lord Haldane, late Secretary or State for "War, stated that apart fron. the impossibility of obtaining officers, Lord Roberts' army would cost forty million pounds, ' thereby threatening national bankruptcy. They could not get prosperity in peace-time if they crushed the people down with the

weight of armaments only needed in war-time. If there came a bolt from the blue, Britain would have 580,000 men to receive the invaders. Under compulsory service it would be impossible to keep up an overseas army, and thus they would imperil 'lndia. The proposed arbitration treaty with America and Germany's assent to the exchange of naval information indicated a world-wide desire to diminish the burden of armaments. Lord Milner said he considered Great Britain ought to have an expeditionary force which would not be a negligible quantity, in t!:« event of necessity, in maintaining the balance of power in Europe. The debate was adjourned. THE FIRST CONCERN. COMMAND OF TRri SEA. (Received April 5, 10.4.5 a.m. LONDON, April 4. In his speech, Lord Haldane said the command of the sea must:be the first concern. He would, gladly join with Lord Roberts in providing for the better physical and intellectual training of youths between the ages of fourteen and seventeen years. LORD ROBERTS' MOTION CARRIED. Received Thir, Morning, 12.55 o'clock. LONDON, April 5. Lord Roberts' motion was carried by 99 to 40. Lords Middleton. Lucas- Derby, and Curzon, and the Duke of Bedford took part in the debate.