THE CRISIS

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7711, 22 April 1916, Page 3

THE CRISIS

A TEMPORARY RELIEF. ANOTHER RECRUITING CAMPAIGN. LONDON, April 21. The Press Bureau states that the Cabinet lias agreed to a recruiting proposal which will he submitted to a secret session of Parliament on Tuesday. The effect of dissension upon the enemy was a vital factor in influencing the compromise. The terms of settlement include the recommendations of the first Cabinet Committee upon recruiting’, namely, compulsion of unmarried men on reaching the age of 18, and the re-enlistment of timeexpired service men. The threat of the resignations of Mr Lloyd George and Mr Bonar Law was still a stumbling block when the Cabinet in the morning faced the crisis. It was expected that many, perhaps all the Unionist members, would likewise resign, involving the break-up of the coalition. An earnest discussion resulted in Mr Lloyd George no longer insisting on immediate general compulsion, accepting the majority’s plan to reopen the Derby scheme, allowing probably six weeks for the further Voluntary enlistment of married men. Another recruiting campaign is to be opened in which the Labor party has promised its co-operation. The point of the settlement is that unless a secretly specified number enlist in a certain time general compulsion will follow immediately thereefter. Mr Hodge, Labor leader, says that if compulsion is necessary he will fgree, and the sooner the better. He doubts the success of a fresh recruiting campaign. SECRET SESSION. PUBLICATION OF FACTS PROHIBITED. AN ORDER-IN-COUNCIL. (Received This Day fl a.m.) LONDON, April 21. An Order-in-Council will be issued making it penal to publish the facts disclosed at Tuesday’s sitting. The Press Bureau states that tho settlement reached yesterday by the Cabinet meets the demands of the military situation, in addition lo satisfying all sections represented in the Government. The sole reason for the secret session on Tuesday is that Parliament will be confidentially informed of many facts and figures on which the decision of the Cabinet was based.