THE MAURICE CHARGES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16213, 16 May 1918, Page 7

THE MAURICE CHARGES.

STATEMENT BY MAJOR-GENERAL MAURICE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received May 16th, 1.50 a.m.) LONDON, May 15. Major-General Maurice has accepted the position of military correspondent of tho "Daily Chronicle." In his first article he says :— "I only did my duty, not as a disgruntled soldier who was turned out of his job. I was ahout to take up important employment in France. I can say without vanity that I had a promising career before me. I left the service I love, therefore I made a very real sacrifice—l hope not in vain. Ido not intend to indulge in recriminations, and any criticisms will be constructive. I appealed to Parliament to enquire into my statements but my appeal failed. My case has not beerj. heard. I paid 1 the penalty of a broach of discipline which I deeply regret, but which I felt bound to commit. There is nothing more to bo said. A newspaper controversy upon tho facts contained in my letter is obviously impossible, but I am prepared to substantiate their correctness before a tribunal appointed by Parliament." "I feel that an explanation is necessay concerning two of Mr Lloyd George's comments. First, regarding my presence at Versailles when the taking over of the line was discussed. I accompanied the British representatives, and attended the first meeting of the Supreme War Council. During subsequent meetings I was in- the corridor outside the Council Chamber. During the intervals between tho meetings I was engaged in work in connexion with the questions under examination, therefore my statement that I was at Versailles was justified. "Tho second point is: Mr Lloycf George asked why I made no criticisms while in office. Mr Lloyd Goorge mado his speech on April 9th. The report that I was at the House of Commons on that day is incorrect. It was on that day that the enemy's attack in Flanders began. Between April 9th andi April 20th, when I handed over my duties to my successor, I was much occupied with duties, and was part of the time in Franco. I had not leisure for more than a glance at Mr Lloyd; George's speech. I departed from tho War Office on leave on April 20th. Then, and for the first time, I read tho full report of Mr Lloyd George's speech. "While on leave, I learned of Mr Bonar Law's answers to questions on April 23rd. I returned to London on April 20th, and saw tho 'Hansard' re- j port of Mr Bonar Law's statements. Then, and not till thon, I formed a definite opinion regarding Mr Bonar Law's replies. "Mr Lloyd George's statements, taken together, put upon tho soldiers a responsibility which, according to my judgment, ought to be borne by Ministers. It appeared to me a matter to urgently correct that impression and. 1 wrote on April 30th to my late chief, Sir Henry Wilson, pointing out the incorrectness of these statements. I awaited his reply until May 6th, but could not wait longer, because I was warned to oxpect orders to- go to France on May 10th, and did not wish to make such charges on the eve of leaving tho country." Major-Gwieral' Maurice concludes by denying the suggestions of collusion with other soldiers, or with opponents | of the Government in Parliament or in i the Press. "I acted entirely alone," • ho says, "and nothing was further from my mind than to serve any partieyui . political purpose."