THE BONE OF CONTENTION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 882, 7 December 1916, Page 8

THE BONE OF CONTENTION.

CONFLICTING OPINIONS. Australian and X.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, December G. Mr Asquith's resignation came as a bombshell, showing that every effort to preserve the unity of the Coalition Government had failed. Though Mr Lloyd George's wishes concerning the War Council were accepted in principle on Sunday, Mr Asquith contended that the powers of the Council must be derived from the Cabinet as a whole; consequently it was necessary to find Ministers who were prepared to delegate their authority to a smaller body. Mr Lloyd George did not object to Mr Asquith being a member of the Council, but he holds the view that a member of tiie Council cannot at the same lime discharge the duties of Prime Minister, since his time would be taken up by a general administrative supervision and attendance at the House of Commons.

When it was found impossible to reconcile these conflicting views, Mr Asquith called tiie Liberal leaders together, including Viscount Grey, Mr Lewis Harcourl, Mr E. S. Montagu, Lord Heading, Lord Crewe, Mr B. McKcnna, Mr W Bunciman, Mr H. L. Samuel, and Mr A. Henderson. Later Lord Curzon was called in, and negotiations were commenced with Mr Bonar Law.

Just before 7 o'clock, Mr Asquith drove to Buckingham Palace, and had a half hour's audience with his Majesty the King. When lie returned to Downing Street, he was not carrying his portfolio. Apparently Mr Asquith suggested that the King should summon Mr Bonar Law.

Throughout, Mr Lloyd George was most conciliatory. His letter of resignation to Mr Asquith as a member of bis Ministry was couched in the friendliest terms, and recalled the fact that he had enjoyed for a decade intimate personal association with Mr Asquith. It emphasised the fact that despite sharp differences of opinion occasionally they had never had a personal quarrel. Mr Lloyd George proposes that the War Council shall meet twice daily or oftencr. He attaches importance to the presence of a Labour Minister upon the Council, as he holds that Labour is vitally concerned in the effective prosecution of this gigantic conflict.

Mr Lloyd George and Mr Bonar Law were no parties to the efforts of the Northcliffe Press to drive Mr Asquith from the Premiership. They only knew of Mr Asquith’s final decision to resign at (3.30, when Lord Curzon returned from the meeting of the Liberal members of the Cabinet. Three hours later Mr Bonar Law was summoned to Buckingham Palace. THE NEW MINISTRY. POSSIBLE APPOINTMENTS. Australian and V Z. Cnhlr Assarinti^n LONDON. December 6. All the newspapers insist that the enemy need not draw comfort from Mr Asquith’s resignation, since the only point at issue was the method of carrying on the war with the greatest vigour. All agree that Mr Bonar Law does not desire to form a purely party administration, but wishes to keep (he coalition in existence.

It is believed that Mr E. S. Montagu and Mr H. L. Samuel, in addition to having sympathy with some of Mr Lloyd George's aims, may serve in the new Government. Mr Samuel may succeed Mr B. McKenna as Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is expected that Lord Beading (at present Lord Chief Justice of England) will be a prominent member of the Government—probably as Lord Chancellor.

Viscount Grey, Mr Balfour, and Lord Lansdownc are not expected to continue in office.

Mr McKenna, Mr Bunciman, Mr Harcourl, and Lord Crewe actively supported Mr Asqnith, and were averse to any compromise with Mr Lloyd George. They also objected to the inclusion of Sir Edward Carson in the Cabinet, but this is a cardinal feature in Mr Lloyd George's plan. Sir Edward Carson during the last year has shown great qualities of' straightforwardness, sagacity, and simple wisdom, and is gaining the respect of many members of Parliament who previously were bitterly opposed to him. There are also possibilities of a settlement in Ireland, which Mr Lloyd George has always considered feasible.