KING SUMMONS COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLV, Issue 6805, 8 December 1916, Page 5

KING SUMMONS COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Gravity of the Situation Emphasised. Australian and N Z Cable Asso

Rec Dec 7, 11.5 p.m. London, Dec 6. The King's guramoning of the Council of Ministers was the climax to a day ot full Ministerial conferences. This btep bss Lot been taken for many years and waa an unmistakeable sign of tbe gravity of the Cabinet crisis, which hss not diminished. Mr Lloyd George conferred with Mr Bonar Law this morring. Later he went to the Royal Pahce at one o'clock and remained for half anhour. The Westminster Gazette first announced Mr Bonar Law's decision. Confirmation soon came from other sources. Sir E. Carson called on Mr Lloyd George while Sir J. Simon and Messrs fJarcourt, Samuel, and Henderson interviewed Mr Asqaith. Mr Lloyd George was the iirst to arrive at thß Royal conference at three o'clock. Others soon followed, deluding Messra Asquitb and Balfour. The conference lasted an hour and ahalf. Mr Asquitb was tbe first to leave, showing traces of the grave position. Mr Asquith immediately after the conference conferred with Sir E. Grey, Mr McKenna, Mr Montagu, and other Liberal colleague', and also with Mr Henderson, while Mr Lloyd George consulted his leading 3upporter3. The impression grew in political circles that a settlement was probable. The Evening Standard understands that Mr Asquith made certain fresh proposals with a view to meeting the demands of Mr Lloyd George's party. The Dailj Chronicle accepts Sir E. Carson's denial an i reiterates that, a solution has been seriously considered upon the lines cabled. The main purpose is tv conciliate both parties in Irelanti. Sir E. Carson's unabated loyalty towards "Ulster is unquestionable, but if he succeeded in .effecting the union of all Irishmen it would add greatly to his reputation as a patriot. Mr Redmond denies having taken part in the negotiations, but some of his followers are fully aware that plans are maturing, but have not reached a definite settlement.