MORALE OF THE NAVY REPLY TO BERESFORD'S CHARGES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 107, 2 November 1909, Page 7

MORALE OF THE NAVY REPLY TO BERESFORD'S CHARGES.

THE ADMIRAL REBUKED. "CONTRARY TO TRADITIONS OF THE SERVICE." By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright. LONDON, Ist November. ' Further correspondence has passed between Admiral Lord Charles Beresford and Mr. Asquith, Prime Minister, relating to naval matters. A week ago Lord Charles published certain letters, , and protested against the Admiralty's treatment of the officers who gave evidence at the naval enquiry. He cited the cases of Rear-Admiral Sturdee and Captain Hulbert, and Commander Campbell, and accused the Admiralty of extemporising a reorganisation, involving a change of personnel, with a view to ridding the Admiralty staff of his supporters. Lord Charles added that five captains had declined to act as his Chief . Staff Officer in 1907, because they feared that acceptance of the post would prejudice their future careers. _ - Mr. Asquith now sharply rebukes Lord Charles Beresford for publishing the corf respondenco without giving him ">n opportunity to reply, and concludes by expressing profound regret "that an officer of your experience and distinction should be responsible for such a letter. It is difficult to reconcile your action with the traditions of the service." - The Prime Minister encloses a detailed reply furnished by Mr. M'Kenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, showing promotions granted on Lord Charles Beresford's staff, a number which, Mr. . M'Kenna believes, is unprecedented from a single" ship. Lord Charles Beresford, in replying, repeats that a system of espionage, fav1 ouritism, and intimidation exists at the Admiralty which is ruining the splendid morale of the Navy. Lord Blresford's impeachment of the ? Admiralty and the readiness of the Navy .- for war, as formulated in his original memorandum, were enquired into by a sub-committee of the Committee 3f Imperial Defence, consisting of :— Mr. Asquith (in 'the chair), Lord Crewe, Lord Morley, Sir Edward Grey, and Mr. Haldane. Sixteen meetings were held and 2600 question put. Lord Charles was accompanied by Admiral Sirß. distance, and the Admiralty was represented by Mr. M'Kenna and Sir John Fisher. The findings of the committee, in its report issued on 13th August, were as follows:— 1. There was no danger to the country. i- 2. The arrangements were not ideally t perfect. 3. They were hampered by the absence of cordial relations between the r Admiralty and Lord Charles. 4. The Admiralty did not take him sufficiently into -their confidence. 5. He did not appreciate and carry out the spirit of their instructions and - recognise their paramount authority. The committee was impressp.d by the v differences of opinion among officers and looked forward to tho development of a f Naval War Staff.