BRITISH CABINET

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 882, 7 December 1916, Page 7

BRITISH CABINET

CRISIS NOT YET OVER MR LLOYD GEORGE SUMMONED BY THE KING BUCHAREST CAPTURE GERMANS ADVANCING ON PRAHOVA OILFIELDS V GREEK SOLDIERS COMMIT TERRIBLE ATROCITIES The Cabinet crisis in Great Britain is not yet over, and it is impossible to say what the ultimate result will be. It is reported that Mr Bonar Law declined to form a Cabinet, and that the King has sent for Mr Lloyd George. There were persistent rumours that Sir Edward Carson had proposed a settlement of the Irish problem, on the basis of immediate Home Rule, with conscription, but he has denied that he ever made any such proposals. The possibility of a general election is being discussed, but a great difficulty in the way is that the register last used —that of 1913—disfranchises about 4,000,000 voters. A German report states that Bucharest has been captured. Bulgarian messages state that the next task of the Central Powers is to drive out the Italians from Albania, and to join up with the Greeks. A terrible story is told of the brutality of Greek soldiers during the Athens fighting. POLITICAL CRISIS IN BRITAIN. MR LLOYD GEORGE TO BE PREMIER. SUMMONED TO MEET HIS MAJESTY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received December 7, 9.45 ami.) LONDON, December 6. Mr D. Lloyd George has been summoned by the King. MR BONAR LAW DECLINES PREMIERSHIP. A SINISTER EVENT IN BRITISH HISTORY. By Cable. — Press Association. — Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received December 7, 10.55 a.m.) LONDON, December 6. The "Westminster Gazette" states that Mr Bonar Law declined to form a Ministry. Tlie "Daily Mail" states that Mr Asquitli on Tuesday morning changed his mind, and withdrew his assent to the new War Council proposals, writing to Mr Lloyd George that upon reflection he could not agree. Consequently, Mr Lloyd George sent in his resignation in writing. "The Times" offers to Mr Asquith its whole-hearted sympathy, but says:—"Mr Asquith's proposals were hopeless. It was impossible to arrange a compromise. What the situation now requires is the return of the well-tried English system of small, harmonious cabinets." The "Daily News" says:—"Mr Asquith's resignation is a humiliation to the country. Jt is the result of a crusade engineered by Lord Northcliffe, and is one of the most sinister incidents in national history. The new Cabinet will contain no Liberal element, apart from Mr Lloyd George, but Ave hope the House of Commons will give the Administration fair play." KING CALLS MINISTERS TO CONFERENCE. CARSON DENIES PROPOSING IRISH SETTLEMENT.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received December 7, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 6. The Central News Agency reports that the King has called all the Ministers to a conference at Buckingham Palace. Sir Edward Carson, telegraphing from Belfast, denies that 'he has suggested an Irish settlement scheme. He says :—"Ulstermen know my views, and my unabated loyalty to them.'' Particulars of the settlement proposals said to have been ma«le by Sir Edward Carson will be found in another column. SAME SITUATION WILL ARISE IN FRANCE. NECESSITY FOR ORGANISATION AND ACTION. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received December 7, 11.30 a.m.) PARIS, December 6. The "Huiuanite" stales:—"The problem which Mr Lloyd George, has set before Great Britain will also be put before France. It is not a question of dictatorship, but of organisation, rapid action, and will power."