EXCITEMENT IN COMMONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9900, 20 February 1918, Page 5

EXCITEMENT IN COMMONS

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Reuter’s Telegram*. (Received February 19, 7.55 p.m.) ' LONDON, February 18. In tho House of Commons Mr Bonar Law, replying to a question by Mi A. Billing (Unionist) as to whether Sir William Robertson liaa resigned was dismissed, doc-linied to anticipate discussion. Australian and Now Zealand Cable Association, LONDON* February 18. There wins much excitement in the House n expectation of the cleaving up of tho Robertson mystery. Mir Lloyd George, however, is suffering fiom a cold, which made it impossible for him to attend. , Mr Dalziel asked 1 whether Sir William Robertson had offered to accept anj i ™fi° r ß^imr U1 Law r ;' V iJeL Ho has accepted tho Eastern Command, whioh was, offered to him tO-day. ~x_ » Mr J. M. Hogge intervened 1 : “Why not the command of the Boy boouts. Mr Bonar Law addM that tho Premier would make a full statement tomorrow, amd the House would have an opportunity to discuss tho question.

DISMISSAL OF ROBERTSON A NATIONAL CALAMITY “MORNING POST’S” STRICTURES UPON PREMIER’S ACTION. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association. (Received February 19, 7.35 p.m.) LONDON,. February 18. Tho “Morning Post” says that , tho dismissal of a man. Of such character and capacity as Sir William Robertson for no bettor reason than to satisfy the imperious temper of a volatile politician is nothing short of a national calamity at Which the enemy will greatly rejoice. The insidious circumstances surrounding the summary dismissal of the great soldier is sufficient to shatter confidence in Mr Lloyd (George. The need of the horn - is a Prime Minister commanding the confidence of all patriotic parties.

CRISIS UNLIKELY TO SHAKE GOVERNMENT . United Service Telegram. (Received February 19, 7.35 p.m.) i , LONDON, February 18. TTio “Manchester Guardian” says the crisis will not shake the Government unless a majority of Unionists demand its reconstruction. _lt is difficult to see how an Asquith Government could reverse the Versailles policy respecting which the Allies are unanimous. GOVERNMENT’S JUDGMENT SHOULD BE TRUSTED Reuter’s Telegrams. (Received February 20, 12.5 a.m.) i LONDON February 18. Tho “Daily Chronicle,” referring to Sir William Robertson, suggests that the nation should trust the Government’s judgment. Sir William Robertson would only exert a dissentient influence in the Allied Council’s decisions. 1 THE VERSAILLES WAR COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF WILSON APPROVED BY FRENCH PRESS. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association. (Received February 20, 12.5 a.m.) I PARIS, February 18. Tho press cordially approves the appointment of Sir Henry Wilson to tho Versailles War Council. It considers ho will help to increase the authority and co-operation of tho Allied Council. A GERMAN PAPER’S COMMENTS Australian and Now Zealand Cable Association. , ' (Received February 19, 8.25 p.m.) , ' AMSTERDAM, February IS. Commenting upon Sir William Robertson’s resignation the “Vossischo Zeitung” asks whether Mr Lloyd George is gambling at the game of banker. Sir William Robertson, the paper says, vainly opposed Mr Lloyd George’s Flemish strategy, so his resignation is the logical result.