THE BRITISH CRISIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16848, 13 May 1918, Page 5

THE BRITISH CRISIS.

APPEAL TO THE NATION.

SUPPORT FOR THE PREMIER. TRUCE CALLED TO INTRIGUES (Received 5.5 p.m.) Neuter. LONDON. May 11. Earl Curzon, addressing the Primrose League, said Mr. Lloyd George was regarded as the symbol of the inexhaustible spirit and resolve of the British Empire. Had he fallen the flags would have waived at Berlin. The country was sick of unpatriotic attacks on the Government under the cover of eminent soldiers and sailors. The moment the country allowed the military administration to assume the npper_ hand it would be on the path to disaster." Referring to the military situation Earl Curzon declared it was grave. Brave soldiers might have to give ground, but the unity of command was increasing. The only thing we could not afford to lose was the war, and the only thing worth prosecuting was the war. The papers sing a chorus of praise of Mr. Lloyd George for converting an attack based on General Maurice's letter into what one Ministerial organ describes as the most futile of fiascos. They declare Mr. Asquith was outgeneralled and outfought. SUPPORTERS OF MOTION. LIBERALS AND LABOUR. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. May 10. Ninety-eight Liberals and seven Labour members supported Mr. Asquith, including Messrs. R. McKenna, W. Runciman, H. L. Samuel, John Burns, Sir A. Spicer, Ramsay Mac Donald, and Philip Snowden. Many Liberals supported Mr. Lloyd George. The Daily News says: "Yesterday's melodrama does not affect General Maurice's charges. Mr. Lloyd George has burked the inquiry, but the public will not waste time over his facts as they are the facts of his own choosing." The Daily Express and the Daily Telegraph entirely approve Mr. Lloyd George's answer and consider the vindication of the Government complete. The Morning Post says: "The result of the debate shows how lightly Parliament regards its responsibilities." During the debate Mr. Lloyd George, speaking with deep emotion, begged arid implored ' that there be an end of this sniping down. (Prolonged cheers.) Sir Edward Carson said that he thought the question to be decided was whether the tribunal of inquiry should be judges or a select committee. He deprecated either, but preferred the latter. He asked the House to consider whether they were doing a service to the country or the alliance by continuing the debate. Were we solemnly to summoif generals to give evidence against Ministers and vice versa? He appealed to Mr. Asquith not to proceed with his motion.

SINISTER MOTIVES HINTED

CAMPAIGN OF OBSTRUCTION.

(Received 5.5 p.m.)

Times. ~ LONDON. May 1L The Times, in a leading article, says: " The conviction has gradually strengthened in the public mind that the issues at stake in the Maurice affair go far beyond personalities. Mr. Lloyd George's disclosures have enabled us to trace the campaign of obstruction thwarting every stage towards perfect allied unity. The nation is aroused and determined to end the intolerable mischief."

Australian and N.Z. Cable" Association. (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. May 10.

The majority of the evening newspapers agree that Mr. Lloyd George's address annihilated General Maurice. The Evening Post says: The Premier, in a masterly exhibition of adroitness, skated over thin ice. The really fundamental question was not answered in the. charge that the British armies on the west front were unduly weakened just before the offensive." <