STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUITH

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20039, 24 March 1914, Page 5

STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUITH

OFFICERS RESIGN OWING TO MISUNDERSTANDING.

TROOPS INTENDED SOLELY FOR

POLICE DUTY

PREMIER INTERVIEWS THE KING

Received 11.10 p.m.; Mar. 23

LONDON. Mar. 23

Mr Asquith denies that the issue of a- wan-ant was ever intended against the Ulster leaders, nor that a general inquisition into officers' intentions was contemplated, inasmuch, as the Government hope that the contingency for'the employment of troops against Ulster will never arise. He hinted Ministers' belief that the resignations were due to aii honest misunderstanding. General Gough and others were erroneously given the impression that it was intended to move troops against Ulster inimediately. The officers who resigned accepted Sir Arthur Paget's assurance that iheir duties would be confined strictly, to police duty in the event of the regiments moving north. The authorities have removed large quantities of arms.and ■ammunition -from Omaghto Enniskillen.. . Sir Arthur Paget moved 1200 troops ito various points as a precaution against possible mids on stores. Mr Asquith states that the movement of troops is now completed. Mr Asquith had an hour's interview with the King yesterday. General French was^ present.