CABINET CRISIS IN ENGLAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 10527, 4 December 1916, Page 2

CABINET CRISIS IN ENGLAND.

REPORTED RESIGNATION OF LYOYD GEORGE, iustralian-Now Zealand Cable Association. LONDON, Dec. 2. The Cabinet crisis is engrossing attention. Mr, Asquith had a long audience with the King, but afterwards proceeded for a week to the country. The Evening Standard says that within the Cabinet there is a. strong section that favours unified control by a smaller number of Ministers with plenary powers. The probable break-up of tiic Government can be averted by placing war control in a reconstructed War Council. Lloyd George has long been dissatisfied over the dilatoriness of the Cabinet on war matters. It is understood that Mr Bonar Law heartily supports him. The Manchester Guardian declares that the House of Commons is in the mood to create a new Ministry. The course ol events is dependent on Mr Lloyd George, j who immediately or subsequently must become head of the Government. Meanwhile Mr Bonar Law may become transition Premier. The Westminster Gazette says that it is pure fiction to suggest that a large section of the House of Commons desire a change of Government. Mr Asquith has a unique hold over the House of Commons. Reynold’s Newspaper states: ‘‘Lloyd George is resigning to-day.” The Evening News says: —“It is rumoured that Mr Lloyd George is busy packing with a view to vacating the Ministry of War. It is reported that Mr Asquith is resigning and proceeding to the House of Lords.” The Daily Chronicle says that the reorganisation of the War Council is contemplated. It will probably consist of Mr Asquith, Mr Lloyd George, Mr Balfour, Mr Bonar Law and Sir Edward Carsou. The Chronicle adds: —“Rumours .of the drastic reconstruction of the Cabinet arc unfounded. A reconstruction of the Cabinet War Committee is likely, with reduced membership and much increased authority, but the initiation of a new policy remains with Cabinet. Early developments are likely on those lines. Sir Edward Carson is expected to rejoin the Cabinet without portfolio. Ho will thus be enabled to devote the whole of his attent ion to the war. Mr Asquith will be 'x-odicio Chairman and Mr Lloyd George Deputy-Chairman. It is desirable to relievo both of much departmental labour by the appointment of an experienced ofii,;ial. Admiral Jellicoc and Sir William Robertson would naturally attend all the meetings. It has been suggested that Lord Fisher should join the \\ ar Council. L is doubtful if ho will accept, because he recently declined to return to the Admiralty in an advisory capacity.” The Chronicle concludes: —“The' fact that no decision lias been reached is owing to the tardiness of the Government’s attitude on several great questions of policy duo largely to the Ministers’ mental fatigue from overwork and anxietv.” LONDON. Dec. 3. Reynold’s Newspaper slates that Mr Lloyd George has arrived at the definite conclusion that the methods of ddatoriness, indecision and delay characterising the action of the present War Council will endanger the prospects of winning the war. He has demanded a smaller Council, empowered to make prompt and binding decisions. It is believed that Mr Asquith has declined to accept that view. Hence Mr Lloyd George lias no alternative but resignation, which he tendered, but delayed until to-day at the instance of several of his colleagues who are endeavouring, with little prospect of success, to prevent a final stop. Lloyd George s reasons for resignation will probably be published to-night. His failure to induce the Government to move in time to prevent the tragic reverse in Roumaaia was doubtless the tinal fact operating on Lloyd George’s mind. VARIOUS ITEMS. ATHENS. Dec. 2. It is reported from Essainos that, a German submarine attempted to enter the straits, but was tired on by land batteries, and fled on the approach of British destroyers. A complete petrol-supply station was found on Samos Island. LAS PALMAS, Dec. 2. On Thursday a German submarine sank the Dutch cargo steamer Kediri, of 3781 tons. The crew were landed. NEW YORK, Dec. 2. Morgan’s announce rhat they have been instructed by the British and French Governments not to issue. Treasury notes criticised by the Federal Reserves Board. It is presumed that another method of advancing credit to the Allies will be substituted. LONDON, Dec. 2. The Admiralty report that on the Bulgarian coast a squadron of naval aeroplanes attacked and greatly damaged a seaplane base at Gorcviz, and bombed Doksambos. Official: Following the division of the main German force, part whereof was defeated at Lupcmbe, the remaining portion of 500 was isolated at Ilembulc mission station and surrendered on the 29th. The Government is establishing a separate department for scientific and industrial research, and is placing large sums at its disposal to assist research for the benefit of national industries on the co-operative basis. Lord Crewe explains that systematic icsearch on a large scale is most important K,r post-war conditions. li is also proposed to imprcc and develop technical education. There is some reason to believe that an imperial conference will be summoned as soon after June as may meet the convenience of overseas Governments. AMSTERDAM, Dee. 2. An express from Vienna, conveying many returning from Franz Josef’s funeral, collided with a slow train from Budapest. Several carriages wore shattered and sixtysix people were killed, including the Civil Governor of Serbia, the majority being military men. One hundred and thirty were injured, 60 seriously. Admiral von Tirpitz lias sent a message to. the German Navy League, slating that unless Germany roaches a position of equality with Britain after the war. Germanism will pine away. AMSTERDAM. Dec. 3. Several Belgians escaped into _ Holland after they received deportation notices. The Germans have issued a proclamation which says that, failing their return, (heir wnos and children will bo taken instead. Besides deporting males from Hassell and Tanage between the ages of seventeen and fifty years, Germans are deporting to Germany girls and women possessing sewing machines. NEW YORK, Dec, 3. The Brooklyn Eagle’s Madrid despatches slate that Spain lias become pro-German as (he result of two years’ elaborate propaganda. Spanish papers have been subsidised by Teutons, and wireless news has been supplied gratis. J’ETROGBAD, Dec. 3. Refugees state that the Germans in nine months court-martialled and executed 2000 inhabitants of Oourland for alleged treason and espionage.