BRITISH POLITICS

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10578, 8 March 1912, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

CABLENEWS

(United Press Association—By Ele* trie Telegraph — Copyright.)

m THE ARMY DEBATE

TERRJTOFUAL FORCE DISCUSSED Received This Morning, 12.5 o'clock* LONDON, March 7. In the House of Commons, Mr A. H. Lee stated that the territorial force of 46,000 men and 1800 officers was short of the full strength. .Fifty-eight per cent, had attended the full training, and fifty-three per cent, failed. The musketry course cost £ll per head, as compared with the volunteers' £7. Colonel Seeley said that the Government did not base its military strategy on the assumption of a waning sea supremacy. He was satisfied that the oversea garrison was adequate, though circumstances might arise necessitating reinforcement. He was unable to .withdraw the South African garrison, at present. If Britain really ivere open to an attack from highly trained Continental troops, it would be necessary to have full conscription, md not in Lord Roberts' modified • orm. Our naval supremacy prevented the landing of great forces. Mr Bonar Law did not want the ;oldiers to think that the rifle was vorse than was admitted after its ad>ption. It was a great improvement in the old weapon.