CHIEF OF STAFF SUPERSEDED

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 42, 18 February 1918, Page 7

CHIEF OF STAFF SUPERSEDED

A REVOLT OF GENERALS SITUATION EXTREMELY GRAVE j PREMIER'S EXPLANATION EAGERLY j AWAITED ,l«I TEMOBAPH.'-riltTBD PBISB, ASSOCIATION.—COJTBIBM.) ! ' (AUSTBALIAN-NBW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) NEW YORK, 16th February, London advices state that Sir William Robertson (Chief of the Imperial General Staff) has resigned, and that Sir Henry Wilson succeeds him. i LONDON, 16th February. Mr. Lloyd George .unexpectedly returned from the country, visited Buckingham Palace, and remained an hour with, the King. Humours of another crisis pulminated, in the Press Bureau, announcement that Sir William Robertson had resigned. '■ ' ■ ■ (Received February 18, 9 a.m.) LONDON, 17th .February. The Sunday Times publishes an interview with Sir William Robertson, in ■which ha indicates that he has been dismissed. He said : "I have not resigned. I can only say that I will not accept either position." The Sunday Times political correspondent understands that General Plumer declined to succeed Sir William Robertson, and adds that it is anfcicl- ■ pated that other Generals will follow Sir William Robertson into- retirement. In fact, the Generals have revolted against the Cabinet. -The gravity of their action cannot be overestimated. . _ The correspondent blames Lord Derby's spineless control of .the War Office, and hints that he will resign. Lord Derby, he points gut, had an audience with the King on Saturday. ' ' The Observer hopes Sir William Robertson's retirement is temporary. His resignation clears the <vi- on the eve of battle, and removes the possible risk of friction between ourselves and our Allies. Correspondents in other newspapers, who emphasise ths (political side of the situation, regard the reconstruction of the Cabinet as unlikely, and point. out suggested alternatives. Mr. Lloyd George does not command confidence either at home or abroad,, but the Government's position is critical. The Pre- • mier's speech of explanation is eagerly awaited. Government newspapers challenge Mr. Asquith to test the House with-a no-confidence.motion, declaring it will result in a four *o one Ministerial maaority.. . v