TROOPS TO PROTECT GOVERNMENT ARMS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 11935, 24 March 1914, Page 5

TROOPS TO PROTECT GOVERNMENT ARMS.

MR BONAR LAW'S REVELATIONS.

"ACTIVE OPERATIONS TO BEGIN.:

Press Association—Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Tuesday, at 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, Monday. The House of Commons was crowded when the debate on the Home Kulo Bill was resumed. Messrs Asquith" and Lloyd-George were cheered. The Oppositionists raised cries of "Liinehouse. " Mr Asquith, in reply to Mr BonarLaw, promised further facilities for discussion of the Ulster .situation, if, after Colonel Seely's statement, Mr Bonar-Law thought it necessary. Colonel Seely slated that some oJlieers ha<l informed General Paget that they would not serve in certain eventualities. This arose through a misunderstanding. These officers had been ordered to rejoin the units. The movement of troops was solely to protect Government arms and ammunition. Mr Bonar-Law asked for further discussion, but Mr Asquitli moved the adjournment. Mr Bonar-LaAV said it was a. most amazing instance of the Government paltering with the .House of Commons. The danger of the army being destroyed before their eyes had come on the Government like a bolt from tlie blue. He ha-d received proof that other than cavalry regiments had tendered their resignations. He read a letter stating that oliicers not lighting against Ulster would bo dismissed. The Government's moving of troops was foolish. No now situation had arisen. He also read a letter wherein General Paget stated that active operations were to begin against Ulster, and that he expected the country would be ablaze by Saturday. That ho was in close communication with the War Oflice, and that ho had received instructions from there. Mr Bonar Law said it was difficult for Mr Asquitli to convince the .House that with or without his knowledge some of his colleagues had not made the movement of troops as part of a concerted plan to provoke or intimidate Ulster.