MR CHURCHILL RESIGNS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XL, Issue 12695, 15 November 1915, Page 5

MR CHURCHILL RESIGNS.

REASONS FULLY SET OUT. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.] Per Press Association. Received November 13. at 7.25 p.m. London, November 13. The Press Bureau states that the Hon. Winston Churchill wrote to Mr Asquith on the 11 th inst., stating:— When 1 1.-i't fhi' Admiralty 1 accepted an office entailing tew duties in order, at your request: "To take part in the War Council and assi-r the new Ministers with the knowledge of current operations which I then possessed in special degree." I am in cordial agreement with tiie decision to form a small War Council, and have appreciated the intention you expressed six weeks ago to include me as a member.— but I foresaw the personal difficulties you would have to face in its composition. I make no complaint that your scheme has now changed, but with the change my work in the Government comes naturally to a close. Knowing what I do of the present situation, as an instrument of executive power I could not. accept general responsibility for a war policy without an effective share in its guidance and control, nor feel able to remain in well-paid inactivity., I therefore ask you to submit my resignation to his Majesty the King, and place myself unreservedly at the disposal of the military authorities with a view to joining my regiment in France. A cLstrr conscience enables me to bear the responsibility for past events with composure. Time will vindicate my administration of the Admiralty, and will assign me my due .share in the vast series of preparations and operations which have secured command of tlie seas. With much respect and unaltered personal friendship I bid you good-bye. .Mr Asc|iiitli replied: "I hoped that voii would have reconsidered your decision and regret that you have found vourself unable to do so. You have rendered services, both to the Council and the Administration generally, which no one is better able to appreciate than myself. lam sincerely ~,-ieved that you think it your duty to leave the Cabinet, and am certain that vii will continue to take an active, and effective part in the prosecution ot the war On personal grounds, I reel acutely the severance of our long association."

Received November 14, at 3.30 p.m. London, November 13. In commenting on the resijpatton the Times says: Mr Churchill s seep following Sir E. Carson's resignation and Lord Kitchener's departure on a mission of uncertain duration, aitords another illustration of what Lord Plainer called 'the tendency of the Cabinet to shed its elements of strength, ii,stead of shedding its elements ot weakness." The Daily Mail .says: Vie are not surprised at the resignation. It does \lf Churchill credit, as his retention ot a '•eat on the Cabinet was the reason oi Lord "Fisher's resignation. A new possibility of tho usefulness ot Lord Fisner now presents itself. The Daily Chronicle says: There is heat in Mr* Churchill's letter but manliness and conscious pride in woik well done. Mr Churchill is evidently chagrined at his non-inclusion in the War Council. He is a real loss to t-l??> Cabinet. He is impulsive and headstrong, but possesses grand qualities of vigour and 'decision and courage. He has li'ade mistakes, but lie has nevertheless rendered unforgettable service. The Daily Telegraph says : Tike resignation will be received by the country with the respect and regret due to j. statesman of great ability and ambition, who resigned from Cabinet rank, rather than remain in well paid inuctivitv. The public will certainly associate his retirement with the unfortunate lack of success at the Darda-rc-lles. Whatever mistakes Mr Churchill lias made, he is too vigorous and dominating to be content in a sjaieeure. Received November 20, at 8.15 a.m. London, November 14. Mr Churchill will go to the front cu Wednesday. Received November 15, at 8.35 <i.m. London, November 14. Striking tributes are paid by the Observer and other newspapers to Mr Churchill's administration, especially for securing the command of tho sea from the outset, Received November 14, at 4.10 p.m. London, November 13. Mr Churchill, will explain, the reasons for his resignation on Monday in the House of Commons. It is understood that he will review the operations of tho Admiralty and will' justify hi* action in connection with the Antwerp and Dardanelles expeditions. Mr Winston Churchill's original regiment was the sth Hussars, but lie is now a captain in the Oxfordshire- Yeomanry. He .saw service with the Spanish forces in Cuba in 1895, with the Malakand and Tirali expeditions (Indian Frontier) in 1897 and 1898, and in the Soudan in 1898, wihon he was attached to the 21st Lancers. He saw a great deal of fighting in the South African war, his medal for tho campaign having sax clasps.