TIME FOR OVERHAUL

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22133, 29 November 1941, Page 6

TIME FOR OVERHAUL

Admiral’s Criticism Of Whitehall LONDON, November 27. “I was frustrated in every worthwhile offensive action I tried to take,” declarea Admiral Sir Roger Keyes in a statement to the House of Commons on his removal from leadership of the commandos. He added that his appointment was unwelcome to one section of the war machine which he had criticised earlier in the war. “Mr Churchill, in appointing me, doubtless hoped that I would assist him in delivering amnhibious strokes.” said Sir Roger. “We were eager and ready to act a year ago. Mr Churchill was as keen as I to act vigorously in the face of hazards to achieve great results which, if we had been allowed to carry on. might have electrified the whole world and altered the whole course of the war. “None can doubt Mr Churchill’s will for victory, but he is handicapped by the Whitehall machine. The Service committees and sub-committees which have sprung up since the last war have become almost dictators of military policy. By concentrating on the difficulties and dangers of every amphibious enterprise suggested, these committees succeeded in Hhwarting or delaying their execution until we were either forestalled or over late. “We shall always be over late in everything we undertake until the staff system is thoroughly overhauled. The cumbersome machine in Whitehall has either strangled before birth or mangled by endless discussion all the amphibious actions suggested.”

The minister without Portfolio, Mr Arthur Greenwood, said that he would not reply to Sir Roger Keyes because he would disclose information of great strategic importance.