THE MAURICE CHARGES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16210, 13 May 1918, Page 7

THE MAURICE CHARGES.

SIR EDWARD CARSON'S VIEWS.

(Australian and Cabla Association.)

LONDON, May 10. In the House of Commons, during the debate on Major-General Maurice s charges against Ministers, Mr Lloyd George, speaking with deep emotion, begged and implored that there ho nn end to "'this sniping down." (Prolonged cheering.) tSir Edward Carson said 110 thought tho question to bo decided was whether the tribunal of inquiry should oo Judges or a Select Committee. He deprecated cither, but preferred tho latter. He asked the House to consider whether they were doing service to the country or the Allianco by continuing the debate. Were we solemnly to summon generals to givo evidence against Ministers, and vice versa? lie asl-ced. He appealed to Mr Asquith not to proceed with liis motion.

MR ASQUITH OUT-GENERA LLED.

',I\euter's Telegrams.)

LONDON, May 10. The newspapers join in a chorus it praise of Mr Lloyd George for converting the attack based on General Maurice's letter into what one Ministerial organ describes as "the most futile of fiascos." They declare that Mr Asquith was out-generalled and outfought.

KARL CURZON'S VIEWS

(Hauler's Telegrams.) (Received May 12tli, 5,5 p.m.)

LONDON, May 11

Earl Curzon, addressing the Primrose League, said that Mr Lloyd George was regarded as the symbol of the inexhaustible spirit and resolve of the British Empire. Had ho fallen, flags would have waved in Berlin. Tho country was sick of unpatriotic attacks on tho Government under tho cover of eminent soldiers and sailors. The moment the country allowed military administration to'assume the upper hand, it would be on the path to disaster.

Referring to the military situation, Earl Curzon donlured that it was grave. Our bravo soldiers might have to give ground, but unity of command was incroa!»ing. The only thin<r wo could not afford to lose was the war, and tho only thing worth prosecuting was the war.

GENERAL MAURICE RETIRED,

(Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) (Router's Telegrams.) (Received May 13th, 12.45 a.m.)

LONDON, May 12. Tho Press Bureau states that the Army Council considered Major-Gene-ral Maurice's explanations, and decided that lie should be placed forthwith on retired pay.

PRESS COMMENT

(Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association*) (Received May 12th, 5.5 p.m.)

LONDON, May 11. Ninety-eight Liberals and seven La-

bourites supported Mr Asquith, including Messrs R. MclCenna, Runciman, Samuel, John Burns, Sir A. Spicer, Mr Ramsay Macdonald, and Mr Philip Snowden. Many Liberals supported Mr Lloyd Goorge. Tho "Daily Newfe" says:—"Yesterday's melodrama does not affect MajorGeneral Maurice's charges. Mr Lloyd George has burked an enquiry, but the public will not waste time over his facts, as they are facts of his choosing."

The "I>aily Express" and tho "Daily Telegraph" entirely approve of Mr Lloyd George's answer, and consider that the vindication of tho Government is complete.

The ".Morning Post'' says.—"The rosult of the debate shows how lightly Parliament regards its responsibilities." , ("Tie Times.") (Received May 12th, 5.5 p.m.)

LONDON, May 11

"The Times," in a leader, sayis:—

"Tho conviction is gradually strengthening in the public mind that the issues at stake in the Maurico affair go far beyond personalities. Lloyd George's disclosures have enabled us to trace the campaign of obstruction, thwarting every tetage towards perfect Allied unity. The nation is aroused, and determined to end this intolerable mischief."

COMMENT IN AMERICA

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received May 12th, 11 p.m.) LONDON, May 10. The .majority of the evening newspapers agree that Mr Lloyd George's address annihilated Major-General Maurice's allegations.

The "Evening Post" says: "The Premier gave a masterly exhibition of adroitness. He skated over thin ice, avoided the really fundamental questions, and did not answer the charge that the British armies on the West front had been unduly weakened just before the offensive."