CABINET CRISIS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 883, 8 December 1916, Page 8

CABINET CRISIS.

THE SALIENT EVENTS. LORD DERBY EXPLAINS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, December G. Lord Derby, in a notable speech at the Aldwych Club, threw light upon the events leading up to the political crisis. Afler repudiating charges of disloyalty and intrigue, he said that it became apparent, especially on tbe man-power question, that the Government lacked a serious grip of the position, and thai a small War Committee was required to decide quickly with power to compel the departments concerned to carry out its decisions. Unless Ibis proposal was realised quickly, there was a danger of tbe plans of tbe general stall's of tbe Army and Navy failing next yea i - . When Mr Lloyd George asked Lord Derby to join in submitting the proposal to Mr Asquith, Lord Derby fell justified in consenting. Tbe War Committee was intended to consider all vital war questions, thus really constituting a War Cabinet, and would be charged with the duty of carefully considering all schemes, and looking ahead as far as was humanly possible, adopting a fixed policy, and seeing il through. The question of ils composition next arose. The idea was that there should be few men; also that the Prime Minister, whose duties were so great thai he could not always preside, should not be required to attend all meetings, and that the committee should sil all day and every day if necessary. It was therefore desirable to delegate the chairman's functions to someone else. There was only one man whom the country could designate as chairman. The Premier, however, would be given power lo veto any of the committee's proposals.

Lord Derby added thai hi- still thought tbe change was possible without overthrowing the Government. The most difficult part of the reconstruction was the selection of the members of the War Committee.

Much of the difficulty was due to peo-j pie suggesting names. Me supported] Mr Lloyd George because he wanted; a thoroughly efficient War Commit-1 tee. He deeply regretted the present' situation, but there could not be a! compromise on the whole-hearted prosecution of the war. After an appreciative reference to Mr Asquith, Lord Derby said: —"We must show our enemies that they will not get any satisfaction out of the crisis," and concluded by saying:— "The Government is composed of one party. Anything else would be unthinkable. The country needs its best brains." KING CALLS CONFERENCE. SETTLEMENT POSSIBLE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, December C. The King's summoning of a Council of Ministers brought to a climax a day full of Ministerial conferences. This step has not been taken for many years, and is an unmistakable sign that the gravity of the Cabinet crisis has not diminished. Mr Lloyd George conferred with Mr Bonar Law this morning, and later went to the Palace at 1 o'clock, where he remained for half an hour. The "Westminster Gazette" first announced Mr Bonar Law's decision, and confirmation soon came from other sources. Sir Edward Carson called upon Mr Lloyd George, while Sir John Simon, Mr Lewis Harcourt, Mr H. L. Samuel, and Mr A. Henderson interviewed Mr Asquith. Mr Lloyd George was the first arrival at the Royal conference at 3 o'clock, and the others soon followed, including Mr Asquith and Mr Balfour. The conference lasted for an hour and a half. Mr Asquith was tlie first to leave, showing traces of the gravity of the position. Mr Asquith immediately after the conference conferred with Viscount I Grey, Mr McKenna, Mr Montagu, and j other Liberal colleagues, and also Mr Henderson, while Mr Lloyd j George consulted his leading sup-| porters. The impression in political circles is that a settlement is probable. The "Evening Standard" says thai H understands that Mr Asquith made certain fresh proposals with a view lo meeting the demands of Mr Lloyd George's Party. THE IRISH PROBLEM. SETTLEMENT PROPOSALS. Australian ami N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, November 7. flic "Daily Chronicle" accepts Sir Edward Carson's denial as lo the proposed Irish settlement, but reiterates its slatemenl thai the solution proposed has been seriously considered. The main purpose is lo conciliate both parlies in Ireland. Sir Edward Carson's unabated loyalty towards Lister is unquestioned, but if he succeeded in effecting the union of all Irishmen il would add greatly lo his reputation as a patriot. Mr Redmond denies having taken par! in the negotiations, bill some of his followers have been fully aware that the plans were maturing, but have not yet reached a definite settlement. AMERICAN OPINION. "TORY PLOT" SUCCEEDS. NEW YORK, November G. The "New York Herald" says:— "The Tory plot to overthrow the Liberals has succeeded. Mr Lloyd George has lent his great powers and repute as a Liberal to the partisan purposes of a Tory Cabal, which may next turn upon him."