A.—4a

42

of the Field Army, and legislation has recently been passed by which complete units of the Territorial Force are enabled to volunteer, as such, for service abroad. 6. The Dominions are, therefore, asked to consider and work out a policy by means of which the units of their existing forces may be so organized as to be capable of mobilising at the war establishments of corresponding units in the United Kingdom, so that, should circumstances demand it, a proportion of these forces could be made available for Imperial purposes. It is hoped that the development of the forces of the Dominions during the next few years will enable their respective Governments to consider the whole question of the numbers that might be made available for Imperial Service, always remembering that a passive defence is no defence. 7. When a number of units can be furnished, they should be grouped in the same manner as shown in Home War Establishments. That is, mounted troops as Mounted Brigades, other units as Divisions if sufficient in number —if not, as Infantry Brigades —with a due proportion of Divisional Troops. 8. Whatever may be the size of the force despatched, it should be accomf panied by the requisite number of administrative units and Lines of Communication troops, so that its requirements may be met with respect to ammunition, 3 supplies, medical and veterinary services, &c. It must be noted that no organization exists in the United Kingdom for supplying these units to the contingents which the Over-sea Dominions may be willing to contribute for Imperial Service. As regards Lines of Communication units, the following are requisite : — (1.) General Hospitals ... ... 2 per Division. 1 per 2 Mounted Brigades. (2.) Stationary Hospitals ... ... 2 per Division. 1 per 2 Mounted Brigades. (3.) Clearing Hospitals ... ... 1 per Division. (4.) Hospital Ships ... ... .., 1 per Division. (5.) Advanced Depot of Medical Stores... 1 per 2 Divisions. (6.) Base Depot of Medical Stores ... 1 per 2 Divisions. (7.) Depot Units of Supply ... ... 6 per Division. 2 per Mounted Brigade. (8.) Bakery Sections ... ... 1 per Division. 1 per 3 Mounted Brigades. (9.) Veterinary Sections ... ... 1 per Division. 1 per Mounted Brigade. (10.) Base Accounts Unit ... ... 1 per Contingent. (11.) Advanced Depot Post Office .. 1 per Division. 1 per 3 Mounted Brigades. (12.) Base Eecord Office ... ... 1 per Contingent. (13.) Ordnance Depot Units ... ... 3 per Division. 1 per Mounted Brigade. (Vide "War Establishments, 1908-09.") 9. The same military terms should be adopted throughout the Empire, especially as regards names of similar bodies of troops, e.g., "Cavalry Regiment," " Field Company," " Infantry Battalion." Confusion in staff and administrative arrangements is the inevitable accompaniment of a varied nomenclature for units whose functions in war are identical. 10. In view of the above proposals, the need for a book of Imperial War Establishments is apparent, and the most simple course would be to adopt the War Establishments in force in the Home Regular Army with modifications to suit campaigns in different countries. 11. As regards training, it is hoped that the principles of training laid down in the training manuals of the British Army may be adopted throughout the Empire. In some parts of the Empire, owing to climatic differences, some slight modifications may be necessary in the application of the principles to suit local conditions.

Proposal— Same war establishments for units.

Proposal— Same grouping of units into larger organizations Proposal— same proportion of administrative units and L. of C. troops.

Proposal— Same nomenclature of units.

Proposal— Book of Imperial War Establishments.

Proposal— Adoption of training manuals.