MOTHER COUNTRY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12064, 20 July 1917, Page 2

MOTHER COUNTRY.

MESOPOTAMIA REPORT

NO FURTHER GOVERNMENT INQUIRY.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, LONDON", July 18.

Tn the. House of Commons Mr l'onar Law said that the Government was not proceeding with a further inquiry into the, Mesopotamia Report. The Army Council would deal with the soldiers in the ordinary way. Lord Hardinge had three times offered to resign but his offers had been refused.

LORD HARDINGE ATTACKED

MR BALFOUR'S DEFENCE,

Australian and N./>. Cablo Association,

LONDON, July 18. Mr Bonar Law said that the Government- was influenced in its Mesopotamia decision by the undesirability of distracting the attention of the Legislature at this critical time from the prosecution of tho war. On tho Foreign Secretary's represents finite the Government had decided that it would lie detrimental to deprive the Foreign Oltice of Lord Hardingc's services. Mr J. Dillon obtained leave, to move the adjournment to discuss the Government's refusal to accept Lord Hardingc's resignation. j-Je drew attention to the point that, the refusal to accept Lord Hardingc's resignation involved a. great principle of Ministerial responsibility and tho only means tho Commons had of exercising influence over the Government. Mr Chamberlain had resigned although lie had not been censured, and yet Lord Hardinge, who was responsible to an infinitely greater degree, was allowed to remain. All should be treated equally. Lord Hardinge, because he stood well in society and was supported by powerful influence, was allowed to ride off in honour. What they had learned from the Dardanelles report had hecn very unpleasant. Something had yet to be learned about the Gaza operations. Mr Balfour heatedly defended Lord Hardinge, and hinted that he would resign if the Houso disagreed with his advice to the Goverr-rront. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. LONDON, July 19. The motion for adjournment was defeated by 176 votes to 81.

SECRET SERVICE. Australian »nd N.Z. Cablo Association. LONDON. July 18. Tho Estimates add £300)000 to the Secret Scwico Vote, making it £550,000,

MR ASQUITH'S SON.

'laatrilia.il and N.Z. Cable Aeaociation.

LONDON, July 18. Amongst the latest honours announced Captain Arthur Aequith, 6on of the ex-Premier, receives a bar to the Military Cross and the D.S.O. for conspicuous gallantry, determination and contempt of danger in attacking and clearing a. village. He personally captured. ten of the enemy.

CANADIAN AFFAIRS

ELECTIONS IN OCTOBER

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, OTTAWA. July 19

Sir Robert Borden says xhafc in view of the Liberals' opposition, the Government did not propose to ask the Imperial Parliament to extend the life of the Canadian Parliament. The existing Houses will expire on October 7, and the elections will follow.