THE GOVERNMENT'S MILITARY POLICY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 59, 10 March 1906, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT'S MILITARY POLICY.

UNFOLDED BY MR HALDANE

THE MINISTER COMPLI-

MENTED

LONDON, March 9. In the House of Commoiis ; Mr Haldane, War Minister, explaining the "Government's military policy, admitted that the Army was never.; more efficient. It was impossible to. make economies beyond" £17,000 without impairing the fighting efficiency. He djtd not intend to abolish any Home battalions. Believing that the Navy. was able to defend the shores, he intended to abolish, out-of-date London defences, and useless coastal forts. He intended te reduce colonial garrisons, and disband the native regiment at Weihaiwei. The size of the mobile striking force for oversea service must depend largely upon the requirements of India. It was impossible to reduce the striking force unless a system existed enabling a rapid expansion if theaieed arose. He hoped to see more men voluntarily learn the elements of training, holding that volunteer and cadet corps and rifle clubs ought to encourage the manhood of the country. There ought to be a skeleton organisation capable of being clothed with flesh in war-time. The Militia needed improvement. By the end of May two Army Corps would be armed with new field guns. Great progress was being made in arming the troops with the short rifle.

The House and press are complimeii' tary to Mr Haldane.