OUR HIGH COMMAND

Evening Star, Issue 16662, 19 February 1918, Page 3

OUR HIGH COMMAND

AND THE VERSAILLES DECISIONS. POLITICAL DICTATION. RESENTFUL GENERALS. /res* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association: . LONDON, February 17. It is reported that a grave crisis has arisen between the Government and the generals. It is expected that other officers will follow General Robertson into retirement. Already there is a dispute as to whether General Robertson resigned or not. General Robertson denies having resigned, and flays he refused to accept a reduced' position in the War Office. If is recalled that General Robertson took up the duties of Chief of the General Staff on tho condition that he had power to communicate direct with the War Cabinet, and also with the commanders in tho field, without reference to the Secretary of State for War (Lord Derby). The newspapers agree that Sir William Robertson's withdrawal may embarras the Government, but will not affect the course of the war or the War Council's plans. They unanimously regret the step, but urge that the ranks must be closed up in riew of the gravity of the situation. February 18. .'Colonel Repington, writing in the 'Morning Post,' states that the removal of General Robertson is justly and universally regarded by the Army as disastrous. Since Lord Kitchener's death General Robertson had been the most respected military figure in the Allies' camp. He had to choose between the broad, easy path of subservience to political dictation and the hard, narrow path of public duty. He has chosen the latter, with single-minded devotion to the country. 'The Times.' ' The Times,', in a. leading article dealing with General Robertson's position, says the Allied War Council's agreement rendered imperative the urtailment of the illogical powers conferred, Upon the Chief of the General Staff for' temporary reasons. The Government's alternating hursts of confidence caused the mishandling of an overwhelming case in favor of the Allied Council's decisions, which did not show the slightest conflict. , 'The Times's' parliamentary lobbvist believes that if the facts are fully disclosed an effective attack against the Government is .impossible. The Cabinet supports the Prime Minister. The 'Daily Telegraph's' parliamentary reporter says _ that an important debate upon the military changes is inevitable. Mr Lloyd George will, either on Monday or Tuesday, endeavor to attend the House of Commons and make a statement. The sequel probable is a direct issue of confidence in the Government upon Mr Asquith's motion, or Ministers may challenge the opinion of the House.