THIRD EDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16851, 16 May 1918, Page 6

THIRD EDITION.

CEH. MAURICE'S CHARGES.

FURTHER EXPLANATIONS. PARTISAN MOTIVE DENIED. DEFENCE OF FELLOW-SOLDIERS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.' (Reed. 1.60 a.ni.) LONDON, May IS. Major-General F. B. Maurice has accepted the position of military correspondent to the Daily Chronicle. His first article says;—l only did my duty, not as a disgruntled soldier who had been turned out of his job. I was about to take important employment in France. I can say without vanity I had a promising career before me. I have left the service I love, and, therefore, have made, a very real sacrifice, I hope not in vain. I do not intend to indulge in recriminations, and any criticisms will be constructive. I appealed to Parliament to inquire into my statements. My appeal failed, and my case has not been heard. I have paid the penalty of a breach of discipline, which I deeply regret I felt bound to commit. There is nothing more to be said. A newspaper controversy upon the facts of my letter is obviously impossible. I am prepared to substantiate their correctness before a -tribunal appointed by Parliament. Duties at Versailles. I feel that an explanation is necessary upon two of Mr. Lloyd George's comments. The first is regarding my presence at Versailles when the taking over of the lino was discussed. I accompanied . the British representatives to attend the, first meeting of the Supreme War Coun- j cil in the chamber. During the subse- j quent meetings I was in the corridor outside the council chamber. During the intervals between the meetings I was engaged in work in connection with the questions under examination. Therefore, my statement that I was at Versailles is justified. As regards the second point, Mr. Lloyd George asked why I made no criticisms while in office. Mr. Lloyd George made a speech ou April 9. The report that I was at the House of Commons that day is incorrect. It was on that day the enemy's attack in Flanders began. Between April. 9 and 20, when I handed over my duties to my successor, I was much occupied with my duties, and was part of th« time in France. I had not the leisure for"more than a glance at Mr. Lloyd George's speech. First Knowledge of Speech. I departed from - the War Office on leave on April 20. Then for the first time Iread the full report of Mr. Lloyd George's jtijjeech. While on leave I learned Mr. Bonar Law's answers to the questions. .of -April 25. ..I .returned to London 29 v and saw a Hansard report of Mr. Bonar Law's answers. Then, and not until then, I formed a definite ' opinion • that Mr. Bonar Law's replies and Mr. Lloyd George's statements taken together put upon soldiers a responsibility which according to my judgment ought to be borne by Ministers. It appeared to me an urgent matter to correct that impression. , I wrote on AprU;,3o,*io, mylate chief, Sir Henry Wil-■ eon, pointing out the' incorrectness of these statements. I awaited" a reply until May 6, but could .not wait longer, because I was warned to expect" 'orde>rs to go to France on May 10. I did not wish to make such charges on the, eve of leaving the country. - i General Maurice concludes by denying suggestions of collusion with other soldiers or with the opponents of the Government in Parliament or with the press. " I acted entirely alone," he says, " nothing was further my naind than to serve any partisan political purpose."

USE UF POISONOUS GAS.

MOVE FOR CESSATION.

ALLIES DISTRUST GERMANY.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. CRecd. 1.95 a.'m.) PARIS. May 15.

The. Gazette, states that the allies have replied to the Geneva Red Cross in reference to the disuse of poison gas, pointing out that the allies did not begin the use of poison gas, and had been obliged to have recourse to it. The allies had no confidence in Germany's promises, but as Gernjany accepted the ,Geneva proposal the allies would not refuse to consider it. Nevertheless, in the absence of effective guarantees, the allies must take all necessary measures against the enemy.

TROOPS FROM ROMANIA.

ARRIVAL IN THE WEST. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Rccd. 1.35 a.m.) AMSTERDAM. May 15.

A report from Liege states that troops Bro arriving in the west from Roumania, including cavalry.

BRITAIN'S WAR BILL.

OVER 23 PER CENT. PATD.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Eecd. 1.35 a.m.) LONDON, May 15.

It has transpired, during a debate in the Houde of Commons, that Britain has already paid 23.3 per cent, of her total war costs to date.