GENERAL

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLV, Issue 6804, 6 December 1916, Page 5

GENERAL

POLITICAL CRISIS IN GREAT BRI FAIN.

Reconstruction of the Government Advised by Mr Asquith.

Australian aud N,Z. Gable Assoc

London, Dec 4.

Mr Aequitb had an hour's audience witb tbe King before tbe House of Commons met. There was a very full attendance, and considerable excitement prevailed. Sir E. Carson arrived early. Questions proceeded for an hour before Mr Asquith arrived, and when he entered he was warmly welcomed. . Replying to Sir E. Carson's question Mr Asquith said he would shortly announce important food problem decisions and give the House an opportunity for discussion, if desired. Pro ceeding, he said the King approved of the reconstruction of tbe Cabinet. He • advised taking uncontroversial business and tben adjourning till Thursday. . Mr Dillon, Nationalist Member for Mayo East, appealed for a longer adjournment, if Mr Asquitb were uncertain that be was abla to make a definite announcement by Thursday. Mr Fringle, Libeial Member for

N.W. Lanark, contended that the House should have an opportunity of discussing the new situation.

Mr Asquith said he desired ta make it perfectly plain to the Huuse and country that the reconstruction of the Cabinet would not involve departure in any shape from tbe policy already announced and pursued since the beginning. If anybody encourages cr I entertains the idea that there would be any change in policy he could assure them that they were entirely | mistaken. He was willirg to leave I the period of adjournment to the ; House. . Mr Ualziel asked whether arrangements would be made for Ministers to 1 carry on their work i.j the interval. He understood that all Misiters' resignations were in the Prime Minister's i hands. Mr Asquith replied there would be no difficulty in Ministers performing their duties. The first business on reassembling would'be a credit vote, whic'j would afford opportunity to discuss ary topic. Mr Asquith'a motion to adjiurn till Ttursday, after to-day'a bußhesa, was carried without a division, though the Nationalists strongly protested. Rec Dec 5, 5.5 p.m. London, Dee 4. The Evening Standard says the acute stsgs cf the political crisi3 has been passed. Mr Lloyd George got substantially what "he wants, including a small war council with ample powers for quick decision to which Mr Asquith will have power to attend. The Council will probably consist of Mr Lloyd George (Secretary for War), Mr Bonar Law (Colonial Secretary) Sir E. Carson, and Mr A. Henderson (Preeident of the Board of Education. It is asserted that the Unionists urged Mr Asquith to resign but withdrew the request upon receipt of a mesage from Mr Asauitb. The Standard adds: "This Council of four is an admirable working body. Sir E.Carson is a suitable colleague for Admiral Jellicoe at the Admiralty. Mr Bonar Law will go to the Treasury, and Mr Balfour to the Colonial Office. Mr McKenna, who gained Mr Asquith's confidence in dealing with colossal figures harmonising the Allies' finance is naturally dissatisfied at the proposed rearrangement, The High Commissioner reports : London, 3rd, noon. The Prime Minister, with a view to a more effective prosecution of the war, has decided to advi3e His Majesty the King to consent to a reconstruction of the Government. Australian and N Z Cable Aeso Rec Dec 5, 9.45 p.m. London, Dec 5. One hundred Liberal Members of the House of Commons passed a resolution of confidence in Mr Asquith, declaring that his continuance nf the Premiership was necesasry in order to retain national unity and the successful prosecution of the war. Resignation of Mr Lloyd George. Australian and N Z Cable Aeso Rec Dec 6, 8.50 p.m. London, Dec 5. Mr Lloyd George has resigned in consequece of Mr Asquith's intention to continue as a member of the War Council. '

Mr Asquith Resigns. Rec Dec 6, 10.55 a.m. London, Dec 5. The latest news shows that the political situation is still difficult. Lobby opinion attaches great importance to Mr Bonar Law's efforts to effect cunciliat:on The general opinion is that Mr Asquith will not consent to be excluded frrm the War Committee. Mr Lloyd George still desires to be president of the committee and also remain in the War Ministry, with Earl Derby as Under-Secretary, petforming the actual work of the War Office. The Daily Chronicle says: "The Ministerial crisis developed yesterday. There is v persistent rumour that Mr Asquith will resign to-day. Mr Asquith has not yet abandoned the idea of reconstructing the Government but the situation is not hopeful. Mr Lloyd George and Mr Bonar Law conjointly submitted proposals at the War Council, with executive powers. The Prime Minister is not to be a member, but over the Council's decisions he has the right of \eto. The War Council would then consist of Mr Lloyd George, Mr Bonar Law, Sir E. Carson and Mr Henderson. Though Mr Asquith is unable to accept the proposal he favours a small War Council, but considers he should be chairman, otherwise he would be placed in a humiliating position and prefers to resigo. Sir E. Gray and other Liberal Members of the Cabinet support Mr Asquitb. If Mr Asquith does not accept or resign Mr Lloyd George and the Unionist Members of the Cabinet will withdraw as the only means of escaping Parliamentary embarrassments should a general election take place," The Chronicle adds: "A strong effort is being maje not to saddle Messrs McKenna or Hunciman, who desire to conserve financial and shipping resources, and are accordingly opposed to new military adventures overseas. It is generally believed that Mr. Balfour will shortly leave the Admiralty. Sir E. Carson is the possible successor. Mr Barnes is likely to join the Cabinet. The 'forward' party in the riouse of Commons strotigly support Mr Lloyd George and favours a drastic purge. If he whittles down trom the original proposals bitter disappointment, would be produced and Mr Lloyd George's influence woulJ be paralysed. The old party lines are largely obliterated in lobby discussion, Members of the House of Commons taking it for granted tbst they could adjust themselves to a new coalition as easily as they did to. the old one. The Nationalists hold sternly aloof. Labour opinion is generally neutral, but endorses the proposal that labour should have larger representation on the Government and be more actively associated in the direction of the war. A meeting of unofficial Liberals, including Sir J. Simon, and Messrs A. Birrell and Bobhouse, attracted about sixty, but failed to carry a motion condemning the forces which continually sought to overthrow the Government. (Per Press Association.) Extraordinary. London, Dec 6. Official—Mr Aequith, British Prime Minister, hus resigned.