MAN POWER BILL

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 April 1918, Page 6

MAN POWER BILL

AGE LIMIT RAISED CONSCRIPTION APPLIED TO IRELAND LLOYD GEORGE'S STATEMENT IRISH PARTY'S STRONG DISSENT

INTENSE INTEREST. April 9. In the House of Commons there ' was intense interest in the Premier's Speech. The House was crowded, but there was an entire absence of excitement. Mr. Lloyd George staid that we had now entered the most critical stage of the war. The present lull, no doubt, meant a hurricane assault. The enemy was gathering strength for- a fiercer outbreak, and before he was: finally exhausted there would be many more severe battles. Continuing, he said that, the fate of the Empire and of Euorpe, and of liberty, throughout the world might depend on the suecestSi with which even the very last of these attacks were contained. The Government therefore proposed to submit recommendations to assist the country and her allies to weather the storm. The recommendations would involve extreme sacrifices by large classes of the population. Nothing would justify them but the extremest necessity and the fact that they were,fighting for all those things essential and most sacred in national life. Explaining Avhy Parliament had not been summoned earlier, lie said" that since the battle began the Go- t vernment had been engaged in almost hourly concert with their Allies, providing the necessary measures to assist the armies to deal with the emergency. THE MILITARY SITUATION. Dealing with the military position, he pointed out that it was difficult to get a clear and reliable narrative of a battle extending fifty miles. The staff and generals were naturally, en- , gaged in concentrating their attention upon the operations of the enemy, and until that strain, was relaxed it was difficult to ascertain exactly wHiat had happened. ALLIES' SUPERIOR STRENGTH. Mr. Lloyd George, referring to the position at the beginning of the battle said that despite the heavy casualties of 1917 the British Army in France was considerably stronger on January Ist than on January Ist. of the previous year. Up to October or November of 1917, the German combatant strength in France was as two to the Allied three;.then came the collapse of Russia, and the Germans hurried up their released divisions) from the East. They also had a certain measure of Austrian support; hut notwithstanding this, and also notwithstanding a considerable number of German divisions from the East when the battle began, the combatant strength of the German Army in the West was not quite equal to the total strength of the Allies. The Germans were slightly inferior in infantry and inferior in artillery, inferior in aircraft. The Germans, however, had one or two great advantages. As attackers, they knew where and when they meant to strike, and it was always difficult to tell when an attack was coming. A WONDERFUL FORECAST. The problem was closely considered by the Military Staff of the Supreme Wur Council of Versailles and the British Military representative, Sir Henry Wilson, concluded that the attack was coming south of Arras, on a very wide front, approximately by 9-1 divisions, with the object of breaking through the British lines. These conclusions were reached two or three months ago. and it was one of the most remarkable forecasts of the enemy's intentions ever made. Sir Henry Wilson also remarked that the attack waa probably secured to the extent of penetrating the British lines to half the distance of the front attacked. Another advantage the German;} possessed was unity of command. Diy, misty weather also helped them. They were actually within a few yards of the front line in some parts before they were observed. BRITISH GALLANTRY.

In continuing iris speech', Mr. Lloyd George referred to the material and dramatic assistance the Americans had given. The Allies had looked forward to a, large American army in France during the spring; hut it had taken longer than anticipated to tram their soldiers. If America wanted to complete her divisions, it would he impossible for her to find troops in a large number in this battle, or campaign, although this might be the decisive battle. Certain proposals, therefore had been submitted to Mr. Newton Baker (U.S. Secretary for War) and President Wilson, with the result that American troops were now available and were being brigaded with the Allied troops, and Americas! ' fighting strength was thus immediately 3 brought to- bear on the struggle. THE GENERALISSIMO. The Premier deprecated any discussion on the question of the Versailles Council; but declared that the battle justified the wisdom of their policy. Alter the battle commenced, not merely the Government but the commanders in the field, were so convinced of the importance of complete strategical unity that they agreed to the appointment, of General Foch to the supreme direction of the strategy of all the Allied armies, on the West front. , General Foch was one of the most brilliant soldiers in Europe When W e were in a similar plight in the fir«t battle of Ypres, General Koch rushed the French Army . there by every conceivable expedient. He undoubtedly helped to win that battle. A. PLEA FOR UNITY. Mr. Lloyd George urged the nation at home to stand united for the undivided control of the strategical operations of our armies at the tront. We were fighting a very powerful foe, whose successes were mainly due to his superior unity and his strategic plans. OTHER THEATRES. The Premier ridiculed the suggestion that our forces had been dissipated by subsidiary enterprise. Not a. single division had been sent from France Eastward, and as regards Italy but for the presence of the French and British divisions there the Austrians would presently be free to

Reviewing the various phases of the battle, Mr. Lloyd George said that at one time it was undoubtedly very critical, when the enemy broke through between the Third and Fifth armies, and the position was only retrieved by the magnificent conduct of the troops frustrating the enemy's purpose Thtf country could not sufficiently thank them for their superb valor and grim tenacity wherewith they faced the overwhelming hordes and clung to'the positions. Once more the cool pluck of the

British soldiers, who refused, to acknowledge defeat, saved Europe. Hisi remarks covered all ranks--generate officers, and soldiers. He drew no distinction. It would take a long time to name all the generals* who had distinguished themselves. THE FIFTH ARMY'S WITHJJKAVVAL. Until all the circumstances which led to: the retirement of tne Xfutu . Army were Known, and until its failure to. hold the line on tne bonime, leastwise, until the Germans brought", up tneir guns, and also the failure U> adequately destroy tne bridges were explained, it, would be unfair to, censure General Gough. But until the circumstances were cleared up it would be equally unfair to retain his services in the held. The War Cabinet, therefore, tliought it necessary to recall him until tne facts were, examined and hud before the Government by their military advisers. The enemy undoubtedly gained a great initial and it was no use not accepting the facts; hut he failed so far as Tne main object was concerned. POSITION GRAVE. Continuing, Mr. Lloyd George said we would bo guilty of a great and fatal error if we underestimated tlfe gravity of the prospect. The enemy was much too near Amiens for our comfort and security, and he had succeeded for the tune being in compelling one of our great armies to retire. The Cabinet took every step to hurry reinforcements. Never had uuch large numbers of men crossed the Channel in .such a short time. VALUABLE FRENCH AID. Mr. Lloyd George paid a tribute to the speed wherewith the French reserves arrived and the loyal assistance they gave the British. The position was momentarily re-established, but it was clear that the Germans were preparing another perhaps even greater attack. The enemy's claims, as to the capture of guns and prisoners were greatly exaggerated. We were not able to replace guns at the time of withdrawal, but we had a very substantial reserve; also greater reserves of ammunition here. The same may be said regarding aircraft. He was confident that our armies, generals, and soldiers were quite ready for the next encounter. AMERICANS IN THE FIGHT.

throw - the whole of" their strength on the Western front. The Salonika, forces had: been reduced by two ttlvisions.. There was only one white division in Mesopotamia, and in Egypt and Palestine together tnere were only three white divisions. The remainder were either Indians or mixed troops/. He asked the House to consider what" this meant. There Avas the menace to our Eastern Empire through Persia and Afghanistan to India. INDIA'S LOYALTY. Mr. Lloyd George, expressed hiss great gratitude to India tor the magnificent way she came to the help of the Empire in this emergency. It was not the fact that we had three of our divisions! in i Egypt and Palestine and one in Mesopotamia, that enabled us to hold our own. We owed it to the splendid troops of India, who were more than a match for the Turks. . BRITISH LOSSES. On the many stricken fields the casualties ooulct not yet be accurately stated; but Sir Douglas Haig assured him that the German claims' were quite impossible. Our losses, of course, had been considerable. THE ENEMY'S PLAN. The enemy definitely decided to seek a military decision this year, whatever the consequences to himself. This meant prolonged battles. Mr. Lloyd George, continuing, siaid that there were still seven or eight months wherein the fight could continue. Everything depended upon keeping our strength to fight to the end. We could do it with American aid, but even then wo could not feel secure, unless; we prepared ourselves to make even greater sacrifices than hitherto. We knew what would happen if the Government's demandsi \vere not acceded to. We must look ahead. The Germansi were calling up their 1920 class, which would provide for this campaign 550,000 young men for the battle line.

GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS. We had already raised for the Army during the first quarter of 1918 more than that quarter's proportion of the original estimated minimum required for the present year. It was not merely necessary to have the men, but to have them quickly. The Premier proceeded to discussi the proposals of the Bill. He regretted that the first proposal was to raise the military age to 50 years. In some specified cases it would be 55. The latter -would refer to men of special qualifications, training, and experience. It was proposed, he said, further to use the Government's power to cancel exemptions. It. also was proposed that His* Majesty the King might, by proclamation declaring that an emergency had arisen, direct that any exemptions from military service should cease to liave effect. IRELAND INCLUDED. Referring to Ireland, Mr. Lloyd George said that an emergency had aiisen necessitating men of 50 and boys of 18 joining the Army. He was perfectly certain that it was impossible to justify any longer "the exclusion of Ireland. (Cheers, and Irish dissent.) No Home Rule proposals that had ever been submitted to the Rouse of Commons he said, had ever proposed "to deprive the Imperial Parliament of full powers on all questions relating to the Army and so there was no derogation of any national right in enforcing conscription in Ireland. The struggle wherein tliey were engaged was just as much Irish as English. It was even more so. It was more Irish, Scotch, and Welsh than it was English. Ireland, through her representatives, at the beginning of the war had voted, for war, and had supported war.'' There was no dissenting voice among Irish representatives. America wasi in the war. There were more Irishmen in the United States than there Avere in Ireland. They were subject to conscription. Irishmen in Great Britain were subject to conscription as also were Irishmen m Canada. It was indefensible til at they should ask youths of 18£ years and married men of 50 with families in England, Scotland and Wales) to fight for the freedom and independence of a, small Catholic nationality ill Europe while irishmen aged from 20 to 25 were not obliged to take up arms for a cause which was as much theirs as ours. It was illogical and unjust. Henceforth, in his remarks, the Premier was subjected to a running hostile commentary from the Irish benches. The Premier proceeded to say that Irish battalions were becom ing steadily depleted and now were half-tilled with Englishmen. Therefore the Government proposed to extend the Military Service Act to Ireland under the same conditions as in Britain. There was no register in Ireland, and it would take some weeks before enrolment began there.

IRISH DISSENT. Here there was further considerable uproar, with cries of: "Ireland will not. have it at any price." The Premier, continuing, said there must be no delay. It was intended to ask Parliament to pass a. measure providing self-government for Ireland. Here there was renewed Irish uproar, and cries of "Keep it!" But, the Premier continued, there: must, be no misapprehension. The questions of Home Rule and Irish conscription do not, hang together. Each must be taken on its, merits. Irish cries: You can keep both ! The Premier: That is ai new view as regards Home Pule. Continuing, the Premier sa,id that the report of the Irish Convention afforded another opportunity of ap-

prcuiching this vexed question with some hope of success. This statement another Irish uproar. Mr. J, Devlin (member for Belfast West), interrupting- the Premier here asked whether he could move the adjournment of the deuate until the Irish Convention's proposals, had been placed before the House. The Speaker said that the motion could be put after the Premier had finished his speech. THE IRISH CONVENTION. The Premier, continuing, said that he understood that the Convention's report had been reached by a, majority vote, but he was afraid that the majority was insufficient to enable the Government to say that it represented a substantial agreement. That meant that the Government must accept the responsibility for submitting to Parliament, with the guidance of the Convention'si report, such proposals for the establishment of selfgovernment in Ireland as were just and such as could be? carried without violent controversy. The Government proposed to introduce such a measure afc an early date and to advise the House to pass it without further delay- ■, ' FURTHER UPROAR. When, remarked Mr. Lloyd George, large numbers, of Irish youth si would be brought, into the, lighting line, it was only right that they should feel, that they would'not be lighting to establish a principle abroad which was not applied to them. This remark was greeted with an Irish uproar. TnE DOMINIONS' LOYALTY. The Premier, proceeding, said that the appeals which were addressed to the Dominions had produced a fine response. (Cheers.) They had already furnished about a million magnificent lighting men, and they were all taking the necessary steps to add _ more. The Premier said that he hoped it would be possible to pass the proposals! this week. Irish cries of "Never 1" and cheers! from other parts of the House. The Premier went on to say that time pressed. Every day was important. The Government he added, regretted much having to resort to such extremely drastic measures, which would injure many trades; but, considering the emergency, no "Government would accept the responsibility for proposing less. (Cheers.) He would not say that if this battle went against us, the Avar would be over, because so'long as we had a ship afloat we should not accept a German p eace —(loud cheers) —but if the battle were won, as he believed it would be, then the doom of Prussianism was sealed. At the conclusion there was more Irish uproar. AMERICA'S FORCES ARRIVING. Mr. Lloyd George said that the enemy had attacked at the height, of his strength. We had been deserted by a powerful ally, while another more powerful ally was not yet ready

THE DEBATE EESUMED.. THE GOVERNMENT'S "MADNESS ** (Australian »nd N.Z. o*ble AiftOolftt!on.| LONDON, April 10. On the resumption of the Mr. O'Brien protested' against thej madness and wickedness of v applying conscription to Ireland. She couldl have destroyed the Government by an; outbreak of Avar, and this was her reward. The Government was offering! her the shadow of Home Rule, with! naked military despotism. At , thq point of machine-guns Irishmen were asked to shed torrents of blood because another violated treaty _ was flung to the winds. Mr. o'Brien"saiol that he was compelled bitterly to renounce his dreams of reconciliation! between the two countries. They concluded that because Ireland wag weak they were going to do with hen what they dare not do to Australia! without the consent of the people.

ito exert a tenth of its might. On the other-hand, this battle might exhaust the. German reserves, while America* was only now bringing in the first instalment of her first corps. If we wished to avoid the war lasting for years, this battle muat be won now, and to win it we must be ready to throw in all our resources. The men, whom we now would he taking might well be the means of winning a decisive victory. With these measures and with the promise of American aid. we need not fear the ultimate issue. MR. ASQUITHS SPEECH. The lit, Hon. H. 11. Asquith, following the Premier, said, that if, as he believed, they were confronted by the most, grave peril which ever men- "* need the Empire there was no,sacrifice which the House was not prepared to make. He appealed to the Premier to give more time for the consideration of the "Bill. THE IRISH LEADER. Mr. Dillon followed Mr. Asquith, and moyed the adjournment of the debate. He Avarned the Government that they were entering on a mad course in endeavoring to force conscription on Ireland. He asked whom the Premier had consulted regarding conscription in Ireland. He hoped, for the sake of winning the war, that the War Cabinet's methods, in dealing with the war were different from their, methods in dealing with 'lreland. After discussing Mr. Dillon's motion for an hour, the Government moved the closure of the debate, which was carried by 310 to 85. - Mr. Dillon's motion wa» defeated bv 323 to .80, and the original discussion was resumed. MILITARY AGE RAISED. LONDON, April 9. In the House of Lords, Lord Curzon announced that the age limit had been raised in certain classes to 55, ' and in others to "50. Ireland is included. EXEMPTIONS CURTAILED. NEW REGULATIONS IN FORCE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received at 8.30 a.m. LONDON, April 10. The Press Bureau states: The Minister of National Service notifies the withdrawal on April 24th of exemptions to military service held on occupational grounds by men of various ' ages in a large number of occupations who are medically graded 1 or 2.