HISTORIC MEETING OF BRITAIN'S CABINET.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 309, 29 December 1915, Page 5

HISTORIC MEETING OF BRITAIN'S CABINET.

QUESTION OF COMPULSION UNDER DISCUSSION. GENERAL ELECTION OR CABINET RECONSTRUCTION LIKELY. ■ ■- (Received-9.40 a.m.) LONDON, December 28. Cabinet held a two hours' sitting yesterday, and a historic meeting is expected to-day. The general impression of the newspapers is that the division of Cabinet- really concerns conscription, while the matter of the treatment of unattested single men is relatively, subsidiary. The "Daily Telegraph" says that the indications are that Cabinet is divided on the question of compulsion or voluntaryism, and resignations may occur— even a general election may bo resolved upon. The "Daily Chronicle" deplores tho attitude of political wire-pullers in contemplating the desperate expedient of a general election, which is a gambler's plunge. The cream of the voters are in the Army, and no issue is before the electors. Mr As'quith is bound to keep his pledge to the married men, but there is riot the smallest heed to rush precipitately into compulsion. That way, discord and disunion lie. •'

The "Daily Mail" says that Mr. Balfour resolutely opposes compulsion, as docs Mr Arthur.. Henderson, while Mr Bonar Law and Lord Kitchener have not stated their attitude definitely.

Apart from these and.Mr Lloyd George, Cabinet is divided on Liberal and Unionist lines. Mr Asquith desires to keep his pledge strictly, but as uniformity of opinion is not attainable, Cabinet has adjourned. On to-day's meeting will depend the"continuance of the Government and the possibility of a general election. • ■' •• The "Morning Post" says that the matter is properly one for the generals, who alone know the real requirements. Decision rests with. Mr Asquith, but whatever he resolves, Cabinet will certainly be reconstructed. COUNCIL OF WAR HELD. ■-- . (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, December 28. The Cabinet meeting- lasted 2* hours. Mr. Asquith .immediately afterwards held a War Council, at which Earl Kitchener, Sir Edward Grey, and Mr. Balfour were present