"WIN THE WAR."

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15769, 9 December 1916, Page 9

"WIN THE WAR."

LLOYD GEORGE'S ONLY PLANK.

LABOUR TO SUPPORT NEW CABINET.

A HUGE NATIONALISING

PROGRAMME.

THE OCCUPATION OF BUCHAREST.

ALLIES BLOCKADE GREECE.

(3rd YEAR—l3lst DAY.)

BRITAIN'S PART.

LLOYD GEORGE PREMIER. A COMPOSITE GOVERNMENT. (By Cabic.—Prcss Association.— Copyright.). Oteutcr'e Telegrams.) (Received December Bth, 2.40 p.m.) LONIJON, December 7. Mr Lloyd George has accepted the Premiersliip. LABOUR'S SHARE. AN INCREASED PARTICIPATION. LONDON. December ". The Central News Agency states that Air Lloyd George offered Labour two seats iii tho Cabinet, one in the war Council, and three Undcr-Sccretary-ships. (United bemcc.) LONDON. December 7. It is believed that Mr Lloyd George offered Mr Henderson a seat in the small inner Cabinet, and three Labour members subordinate positions in the Ministry. THE WAR PUT FIRST, LONDON. December 7. The labour Conference, while favourin" Mr Asquith's leadership, made it perfectlv clear that they were prepared to serve any Premier who would vigorouslv prosecute the war. Subsequentlv Messrs A. Henderson, Ramsay Mac Donald, J. O'Grady, P. Snowden aud W. Thorne, representing the Conference, had a long conference with Mr Lloyd George. FORMING THE MINISTRY GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE. (Australian and X.Z. OaWe Aesociatlon.i (Received December Bth, 6.50 p.m.) LONDON. December 7.

The Labour Party discussed Mr Lloyd George's proposals, and officially announced that it had decided to participate in the new Government. ]t is understood that Mr A. Henderson and Mr G. N. Barnes will enter the Cabinet.

The Partv adopted a resolution expressing the hope that the Government will endeavour to settle the Irish question with a view to the fullest exercise of the nation's and Empire's forces. Good progress is reported in the construction of the Government. The names are not expected to be announced till Friday. Mr A. Henderson (Minister of Pensions in the late Government). Mr W. Brace (UnderSecretary for Home Affairs in tho Coalition Government), Mr G. J. Wardlo, Mr G. N. Barnes, and Mr John Hodge aro the most likely Labour selections.

Thirty members of the Liberal war group inet in the House of Commons and passed a resolution stating that in view of the paramount importance of the formation of a Government without delay for the vigorous prosecution of the war, they pledged their active support to Mr Lloyd George to that end. Mr Asqtiith, in an address to tho Liberal Party on Friday, will explain the circumstances attending his resignation.

The "Evening Standard" states that the Labour leaders consented to participate in the Government on condition that the Government immediately and estensively engaged in the control of mines, shipping, and land.

"WIN THE WAR."

LLOTD GEORGE' S ONE PLANK

EXTENSION OF NATIONALISED

INDUSTRIES

(Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December Bth, 10 p.m.) LONDON, December 8.

Mr Lloyd George spent a most busy dav, and the formation of the Cabinet is "making good progress. The most important achievement was the understanding which was reached with the Labour' Party. All sections of labour were represented at the. Conference, and the majority finally decided to take part in the formation of the new Government, Mr Henderson being a member of th<' "War Committee without portfolio, and so able to devote the whole of his energy to the war.

I Mr Lloyd George informed the Conference that the single plank in his political platform was the vigorous prosecution of the war to a victorious conclusion. A serious task lay before the country, and it could only bo accomplished by utilising to the utmost the entire energies of the nation. He admitted fully that Labour had already played a great part, but greater demands had yet to be mado upon Labour as well as all other classes of the communitj'. Every prospect of success depended upon an increased output of munitions, henco tremendous responsibilities were thrown upon Labour. These responsibilities made it only equitable flat Labour should have some say in the direction of affairs. Tho Government would contain a Teal Labour Minister presiding over a new Labour Department which would take over the whole Labour work of the Board of Trade. IThe- Labour members searchingly cross-examined Mr Lloyd George, and were gratified to learn that his policy practically amounted to State control of all industries and of the means of transport on land and at sea in order that the country's man-power may be directed into tho best channels. Every effort would be mado to increase homegrown food, and farmers would bo provided with tho most modern machinery, while food prices would be rigorously controlled. CONSCRIPTION. OF LABOUR AND OF WEALTH. AX HISTORIC DECLARATION. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December 9th," 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, December 8. The Laoour Conference pressed -Mr Lloyd George particularly regarding tho conscription of labour and wealth. The Prime Minister intimated that as regards the first matter, his policy would be in tho direction of the regulation of the work of tho whole manhood of the country so that no class could complain that it was being unfairly treated. Regarding the conscription of wealth, he foreshadowed a scheme for controlling tho investments of savings upon the lines existing in the case of certain classes of American securities. This would place the realised wealth of the country at tho Government's disposal. There would also be a large extension of the war profits tax. All profits would be calculated on tho average of tho three years before the war, and. all in excess of this amount would go to the State. THE KAISER'S PROPHECY. i I GERMAN PRESS ANXIOUS. i ; ("The Times.") (Received December Bth, 10.55 p.m.) J LONDON, December 8. { A correspondent recounts that in an • interview with the Kaiser a decade ago ! lie asked his opinion of Lloyd George. I The Kaiser replied: "He will be PreI mior within ten years." j The German Press has significantly j changed its tone. Tho attitude of ; complacency which was prominent i when Mr Lloyd George resigned, has • been replaced by mingled hostility and ; apprehension. The Press is denouncj ing him as a secret intriguer, and is warning the German people that his i accession to power means that the war .will enter a new phase, and will post- | pone indefinitely peace prospects.

OUR CHANCE TO WIN

MUST NOT BE JEOPARDISED,

IMPRESSIVE WARNINGS

'.Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, December 7. Lord Sydenham, in an interview, said: 'It is imperative that the War Council should consist of not more than five members who would be spared the pre-occupations of managing large departments. At least two of the members ought to have made a study of the war on land *and sea, and there should be one man with large practical business experience. It is essential

j that the Prime Minister should be j chairman, otherwise conilict between i the War Council and the Cabinot is certain. The tilth member ought to be I a man of great political experience and ] statesmanlike character. \\ e have j been attempting to pit amateurs against j professionals, with the inevitable results. If we repeat our grave mistakes, the remaining chance of success will be lost."

Lord Nunburnholme, in a letter to the newspapers, says: —"The country requires an Executive consisting of our best soldiers, sailors, and business men —for example. Sir John Jcllieoe, Sir William Robertson. Lord Devonport (.chairman of the I'ort of Lonuon Authority), 2>ir Owen Phillips, and two good Labour men who would see ° (1) That there were sufficient heavy batteries to utterly destroy all the German artillery, and save the present heavy losses of infantry. (2) That- we blockade the whole of Europe, including neutrals, and thus cause an effective blockade. (3) That we secure sufficient- lieavy guns, to be immediately produced, so that merchantmen would be able to sink submarines. (4) That we compel the immediate construction of at least a thousand standardised merchant ships additional to those already building, to secure an adequate food supply and raw materials for munitions for Britain and the Allies.

Lord Nunburnholme is the well- | known Hull shipowner. As Major Charles Henry Wellesley Wilson he won the D.S.O. in the Boer War. Ho was Liberal M.P. for Hull. IfOG-7. Sir Owen Phillips is also a bi<j; shipping man, chairman of the Royal Mail Packet Company, the Union Castle, and associated lines, a railway director, and chairman of various Royal Commissions . MB ASQUITH'S POSITION. LONDON, December 7. Mr Bonar Law suggested that Mr Asquith take tho Lord Chancellorship and an earldom if he joined tho Cabinet. Mr Asquith declined when other Liberals refused to co-operate. It is understood that Mr Arthur Henderson is willing to join Mr Lloyd George if tho Labour Party approves. The "Daily News" says that Mr Asquith denies* tho charges of having shown vacillation during tho negotiations with Mr Lloyd Georgo as tho Northcliffe newspapers alleged. Mr Asquith will take an early opportunity to correct these statements. THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. (Reuter'B Telegrams.) LONDON, December 7. The House of Commons met and immediately adjourned till Tuesday, the Pith inst. FOREIGN COMMENT. A GERMAN VIEW. AMSTERDAM, December 7. The "Kolnische Volkzeitung," discussing Mr Asquith's resignation, remarks: —"If the strong man of England now comes to power this will only please us, for we hope the. decision will be come to all tho earlier." DUTCH VIEWS. AMSTERDAM, December 7. Tho "Handelsblad" says: —"Mr Asquith's resignation begins a new era. It is evident that, with the sharpening of the blockade, neutrals.' troubles will be increased." j AN ITALIAN OUTLOOK. (United Service.) ROME, December 7. Tho "Giornalo d'ltalia" considers that the Asquith Cabinet lacked firmness, decision, and initiative, and was indirectly responsble for the Greek muddle and tho Roumanian disaster. FRANCE AND LLOYD GEORGE. PARIS. December 7. M. Clemenceau states that if Mr Lloyd Georgo were excluded from the British Cabinet, it would be worse than tho loss of a battle. BRITISH TRADE. LONDON, December 7. Compared with the previous November imports increased by £17,300,232, and exports by £6,489,088,_ while reexports decreased by £1,175)923. THE FOOD PROBLEM. DEMAND ON THE GOVERNMENT. LONDON, December 7. The Labour Conference passed a resolution calling upon the Government to purchaso all imported essential foodstuffs and to commandeer or control home products and ships, placing food in retail markets at prices benefiting the consumer.

THE ROYAL EXAMPLE. LONDON, December 7. The King and tho members of the Royal household have been observing two meatless day s weekly for some time past. SHORTAGE OF PAPER. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, December 7. J From the beginning of February the | prices of illustrated monthly magazines , will be increased one penny, LOAN IN JAPAN. (Router's Telegrams j LONDON. December 7. Reuter is informed that tho British loan in Japan has been fully 'subscribed. The- lists closed on the sth inst. .instead of tho 12th inst. THE NEED FOR MEN. NEW MEASURES TAKEN. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.; (Keuter'e, Telegrams.) (Received December Bth, 6.50 p.m.) LONDON, December 7. [ It is officially announced that the Admiralty, tho Ministry of Munitions, and the Army Council have agreed to secure tho early calling to the Colours up to tho age of thirty-one of all fit semiskilled and unskilled men whoso release from controlled and Government establishments will not interfere with the output of munitions. GERMAN LIE REFUTED. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) (Received December Bth, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 7. Viscount Grey again emphatically denies the German allegation that he used language implying that one of the reasons why England should participate in the war was that she would be able at any time to threaten to retire and that he would always be ready to undertake mediation to help Germany.

COUNCIL OP WOMEN. THE QUEEN RESIGNS. (.Received December Bth. 1'.30 p.m.) 1/ONDOX, December 7. Her Majesty the Queen has resigned her position of patroness of the National Council of "Women. She states that her interest is undiminished, but «jhe abstains from interference in all public, matters, and the Council has enlarged its scope, and is considering questions of liquor prohibition and the extension of the franchise.