1918-04-12 — Page 5

THE WAR.

PRIME MINISTER'S REVIEW OF THE SITUATION.

THE NEW MAN-POWER PROPOSALS: AGE-LIMIT TO BE RAISED AND EXEMPTIONS WITHDRAWN.

EXTENSION OF THE MILITARY SERVICE ACT TO IRELAND.

**RESISTANCE WILL BE OVERCOME"

INDUSTRIAL DISASTER PREFERABLE TO MILITARY

DISASTER.

FLUCTUATING FORTUNES ON THE BATTLE-FRONT.

Generali

EARLIER CABLES. THROUGH ELDTER'S 'AGENCY.]

THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE WAR

THE NEW MAN-POWER

PROPOSALS

LONDON, April 9th

The Icllowing is the continuation of the Prime Minister's speech in the House

of Commons, the first portion of which appeared in our issue of yesterday

Nothing must be said to discourage our forces, who are fighting so gallantly at this very hour. All recrimination must be stopped.

observed. It was quite impossible to observe them. This was a distinct de

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS FRIDAY, APRID 19mm, 1018.

NO GOOD SHUTTING OUR EYES OUR FORCES NOT DISSIPATED BY

To Facro

The enemy had undoubtedly gained an

initial success. It was no good refusing to accept facts. The enemy failed estar

as their main object was concerned,

SUBSIDIARY ENTERPRISES.

IRELAND CAN NO LONGER BE

EXCLUDED

A FATEFUL STRUGGLE.

The Premier said he hoped it would be. possible to pass the Man-Power pro- posals this week (Irisheries of

Never, and cheers from other parts of the House Time pressed, and every day was important. The Government 15 gretted Buch extremely drastic measures, which would injure many trades, but,

22 A no Govern

The Premier ridiculed the suggestion Referring to Ireland, Mr. Lloyd George that our forces had been dissipated by said an emergency had arisen pocaitat subsidiary enterprises. Not a single ing men of 50 and boys of 18 joining the division had been sent from France east. | Army, and he was perfectly certain thút ward As regards Italy, but for the it was impossible to justify any longer presence of French and British divisions the exclusion of Ireland. (Cheers and namely, to separate the British and Trends there the Austriana would be free at the Irish dissent,) No Home Rule proposal considering the armies, but we should be guilty of a present time to throw the whole of their over submitted to the House of Commons ment would accept

responsibility of great and fatal error if we under-strength on to the Western Front. The ever proposed to deprive the Imperial proposing less. (Chcers.). He would, not estimated the gravity of the prospect divisions. There was only one white questions relating to the Army and Navy,

Salonika forces had been reduced by two Parliament of its full powers on all say that if this battle went against us the war would be over, because a long as The enemy had captured valued ground division in Mesopotamia In Egypt and

we had a hip afloat we should not accept so it was no derogation of any national much too near Amiens for our comfort Palestine, together there were only three right. The struggle in which D

a German pence(loud cheers)—but if England the battle was won, us he believed it would and steurity, and had succeeded, for the white divisions; the remainder were was engaged was just as much Irish as be, then the doom of Prussianism would time being, in compelling one of our great either Indian or mixed. He asked the

English. It was even more so, it was he sealed. (More Trish uproar.) armies to retire. The Cabinet took every House to consider what this meant. There more, Irish, Scotch and Welsh than THE BATTLE MUST BE WON NOW step to hurry up reinforcements, with was menace to our Eastern Empire English. Ireland, through her represen-

The enemy had attacked at the height

the result that no such large number of through Persia and Afganistan to India.tatives at the beginning of the war, voted of his strength. We had been deserted by

men had ever before crossed the Chano in so short a time.

ENEMY CLAIMS OF CAPTURES

GREATLY EXAGGERATED.

The enemy claims with regard to the

captures of guns, machine-gung and

advantage, because the defence organi prisoners were greatly exaggerated. The sation in that particular part depended Ministry of Munitions was not only able largely upon the crossfire of machine to replace all the guns and machine-guns guns and artillery.

Jost, but had a very substantial reserve. The enemy made the fullest use of this There was also a great reserve of ammuni- advantage.

tion in Great Britain and France The TROOPB MAGNIFICENT CONDUCT

same remark applied to aircraft,

IN AN UGLY SITUATION,

Av regards the battle itself, it would

take some time to ascertain all the facts, but at one time it was undoubtedly very critical. The enemy broke through be tween the Third and Fifth Armies, and there was a serious gap The situation was only retrieved by the magnificent THE ALLIES' NUMERICAL) conduct of our troops--(cheers) who 10-

SUPERIORITY,

tired in perfect order and re-established Referring to the position at the begīn- a junction, thus frustrating the enemy's ning of the battle, the Premier said that, purpose. The country could not suf- despite the beavy casualties in 1917, the ciently thank the troops for their superb British Army in France was considerably valour and the grim tenacity with which stronger on January 1st than on the they faced the overwhelming hordes and corresponding date last year. Up toclung to their positions, (Cheers.) They October or November, 1917, the German retired but were never routed. Once

GRATITUDE FOR INDIA S HELP

The Premier expressed great gratitude to India for the magnificent way in which she had come to the help of the Empire in this emergency. It was not the fact

that we had three divisions in Egypt and

enabled us to hold our own. We owed Palestine and one in Mesopotamia that

it to the splendid troops from India, many of whom were volunteers since the war,

Turks on many a stricken field. who been more than a match for the

GERMANY WANTS MILITARY DECISION THIS YEAR

It was impossible at present to tell the The casualties could not yet be accu- part our airmen played in checking therately stated, but fir Douglas Haig had advance and taking difficult the bringing astured him that the German claims were

encounter

TAKES LONGER THAN

EXPECTED.

for the war and supported the war. There was no dissenting voice among her representatives. America was in the war,

*

and there were more Irishmen in tho United States than there were in Ireland

They were subject to conscription. Irish scription, also Irishmen in Canada. It men in Great Britain were subject to con-

was indefensible that we should ask youths of 18 and married men up to 50 years of age, with families, in England, Scotland and Wales, to fight for the freedom and independence of a small Catholic nationality in Europe, while Irishmen aged between 20 and 25 were

not obliged to take up arms for the cause which was as much theirs as ours. It was illogical and unjust,

up of guns and anynunition. He was quite impossible. Our losses, of course, confident that our Armies, Generals and had been considerable. The enemy bad HOSTILE IRISH COMMENT soldiers were quite ready for the next definitely decided to secure a military from this point onwards the Premier

decision this year, whatever the conse was subjected to a running hostile com quences, to himself, and this meant pro-mentary from the Irish benches. The TRAINING OF US.A. SOLDIERS longed battles. There were still seven or Premier proceeded to say that the Irish battalions were becoming steadily deplet, ed, and were now half filled with Eng lishmen. It was therefore proposed to extend the Military Service Act to Ireland under the same conditions as in Great Britain. There was no Register in Ireland; hence it would take some wecke before enrolment began there. (Further considerable uproar, and crica of Ire land won't have it at any price Premier, continuing, said there must be no delay. (Mr. William O'Brien: „That's a declaration of war against Ireland.)

The Prime Minister referred to the material, and dramatic assistance of the Americans. The Allies had looked for ward to a large American Army in France in the spring, but it lind taken longer than anticipated to train these soldiers, and if America wanted to com plets her divisions it would be impossible for her to find troops in large numbers to participate in this battle or cam- paign, although it might be the declive battle of the war, Certain proposals, therefore, were submitted first to Mr. Baker, the American Secretary for War, then to President Wilson. The result was that the American troops who were available would be brigaded with Allied

eight months during which the fight could continue. Everything depended upon keeping our strength right to the end. We could do it with American aid, but, even then, we could not feel secure unless We were prepared ourselves to make even greater sacrifices than hitherto. He know what would happen if the Government's

demands were not accepted.

CLAIMS OF THE NAVY MUST BE

RESPECTED

A NEW VIEW AS REGARDS

HOME RULE,

a powerful ally, and another and more powerful ally vas not yet ready to exert

this battle must exhaust the German tenth of its might. On the other hand,

reserves, while America was only now bringing in the first instalment of her First Corps. If we wished to avoid the now, and to win it we must be ready to war lasting stars the battle must be won

throw into it allour resources. The men wo

of winning a decisive victory, and with were how taking might well be the means

these mensures and the promite of American aid we need not fear the ulti mate issue. (Cheers)

THE NEED FOR UNSTINTED EXERTION AND SACRIFICE. We might poss, through many Huetua- tions of hope and disappointment in this battle, but added the Premier,*** let us come through the vicissitudes of this tremendous struggle with a stout and stendy heart. There is no cause yet for exultation, except in the valour of our anxiety. There will always, to the end, troops, and there will be cause for deep

be cause for exertion and sacrifico, but there may well be cause for confidence in if those are given with unstinted devotion

this country (Cheers, }

MR, ABQUITH'S APPEAL. Mr. Asquith, following the Prime Minister, said that it, as he believed, they were confronted with the gravest perif which ever menaced the Empire, thero was no sacrifier which the House was not

prepared to make. He appealed to the for consideration of the Bill The only Prime Minister to give a little more time test applicable to the Bill was whether

the military result secured by it would outweigh all other considerations The Allied

led cruso had never been so seriquely imperilled, but by a supreme and sustain- ed elfort we could save it,

TRIBUTE TO THE ARTILLERY.

Bir Asquith paid a glowing tribute to the manner in which the men rought, and he mentioned that one of his sons, who la an artillery officer at St. Quentin, wrote larch 21st, his battery, which was cover- stating that on 12 successive days, from

ing the retirement, took part in 20 work the artillery were doing all along engagements. This was a sample of the the line. He doubted whether there lind ever been a more splendid thing in the

combatant strength in France was as two more the cool pluck of the British to the Allied three. Then came the

soldier.

refuses to acknowledge who collapse of Russia, and the Germans defeat, saved Europe. (Cheers,) hurried up released divisions from the

Mr. Kennedy Jones (interrupting) East to the West. They had also a cer

What about the Generalst tain measure of Austrian support, but,

The Prime Minister, continuing, said notwithstanding this, and also notwith he was referring to the Generals, officers standing a considerable number of Ger- and soldiers, he drew no distinction, man divisions from the East, when the For instance, Brigadier Carey collected battle began the combatant strength of at a serious gap the signalmen, engineers, the German army in the West was not inbourers and odds and ends of machine quito equal to the total strength of the gunners, who held up the Germans and troops, and their 6ghting strength would bipping, which were a fundamental uproar, and cries of Keep it," but glorious history of the artillery, They

Allies The Germans were slightly closed the road to Amiens. (Cheers.) be immediately brought to bear in the inferior in infantry, inferior in arti). lery, considerably interior in cavalry and undoubtedly inferior in aircraft.

THE GERMAN ORGANISATION: The Germans, however, organised their troops so as to produce a larger-number of divisions from a slightly smaller number of infuntry, and a smaller number of guns. It remained to be seen whether

their organisation was better than ours. ADVANTAGES ENJOYED BY THE GERMANE

It would take a very long time, to name all the Generals who distinguished them

selves in this battle.

THE RETIREMENT OF THE FIFTH ARMY

Until all the circumstances which led to the retirement of the Fifth Army were known, until its failure to hold the line of the Somme at least until the Germans

struggle. (Cheers.)

THE APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL

FOCH,

The Prime Minister deprecated discus sign of the question of the Versailles Council, but declared that the battle had justined the wisdom of that policy After the battle commenced, not only the

| brought up guns, and, perhaps, the Government but the Commanders in the

failure adequately to destroy the bridges held were so convinced of the importance. were explained it would be unfair to of more complete strategical unity that The Germann, however, had one or two censure General Gough, but until the they agreed to the appointment of great advantages; they had the initial circumstances were cleared up it would General Foch to the supreme direction advantage always commanded by the equally be cofair to the British Army to of the strategy of all the Allied armies, Offensive-they knew where they meant to retain his services in the field, and the attack, the dimensions of the attack, and War Cabinet, therefore, thought it neces

It was true that we bad already rajred nearly six million men for the Army and Navy, and we could not raise the same Proportion of mon for battle as the other belligerents owing to the nasal demando, and the shipping, coal and steel which we must supply. It would be folly to inter- fere in any way with the Navy and

condition of the Allied success (cheers)

but there was still a reserve of men which, consistently with the discharge of thesa obligations, raight be withdrawn in a great emergency for the battle.lino- not without damage to industry and a certain weakening of our economic strength and

and restriction, perhaps priva- tion, but without the impairment of the striking power of the country in the war

WE MUST LOOK AHEAD. We must look ahead. The Germans were calling up the 1930

Es, which would provide for this campaign, 850,000 young men for the battle line. Wo had already raised for the Army during the on the Western Front. Gen, Foch was caearst quarter of 1918 more than that of the most brilliant soldiers in Europe.

quarter's proportion of the original.

The Premier, continuing, said the Government, without delay, intended to ask Parliament to pass a message of self Government for Ireland(renewed Irish

(Loud cheers.) So long to this spirit animated the Army he did not despair of the prospect of victory.."

there must be no misapprehension that exposed themselves to destruction or capture throughout the whole of the re- the questions of Home Rule and Irish trement in order to save the infantry Conscription did not hang together Each must be taken on its merits (Irish cries: You can keep both," The Premier: That is a new view na regarda Home Rale.)

IRISH CONVENTION'S REPORT. The report of the Irish Convention afforded another opportunity of up proaching this vexed question with some bope of success. (Irish uproar.)

NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT. --

J, however we were confronted with the gravest penl that ever menaced not only the Empire hut also our Allies, some- Using greater than any material or fabric that man ever built up, namely, tha fortunes and liberty of humanity, there was no sacrifice which the House, ca representing the people, was not pre. pared to make to preserve the world from. the worst catastrophe that had ever be fallen it?

Mr. Devlin, interrupting, asked wheth ther he could move the adjournment of the debate until the Convention's pro posals were before the House.

The Speaker mplied that the motion could be put after the Premier's specek,

The Premier, continuing, said he

IRISH LEADER'S WARNING.

and moved the adjournment of the Mr. John Dillon followed Mr. Asquith

debate. He warned the Government that endeavouring to force conscription on they were catering on a mad course in Ireland

Mr. Dillon asked whom the Prima Minister consulted as regards conscrip

the time of the attack. It was always dif- to recall hin until the facts were When we were in a similar plight in the estimated minimum required for the pre understood the Convention'a report was tion in Ireland. He hoped that, for

sary

A TRIBUTE TO THE FRENCH The Prime Minister paid

Warm

ficult to tell when the attack was coming.mined and laid before the Govern Erst Battle of Ypres, General Foch rushed sent year. Essential Industries were The problem was closely considered by ment by its Military Advisers. the Military Staff at Versailles, and General Sir H. Wilson concluded that the attack was coming south of Arras on a tribute to the speed with which the very wide front approximately by 95 French reserves came up. divisions with the object of breaking. It was one of the most remarkable through the British line. These conclu feats of organisation in the war, sions were reached two or three months Between the efforts of our men and the ago. It was one of the most remarkable loyal assistance given in a true spirit forecasts of the cucmy's intentions ever of comradeship by the French Army the made Sir H. Wilson also remarked that position was momentarily established, the attack would probably succeed to the but it was clear that the Germans were extent of penetrating the British line to half the distance of the front attacked.

Another advantage the Germans prs.

The Premier recalled that General sessed was unity of command. The dry. Byngs Army in the north never gave way misty weather also helped them. They

a hundred yards to the enemy, and only were actually within a few yards of the retired to conform with the situation on front line in some parts before they wereits right fank

preparing for another-and, perhaps,

even greater-attack.

the French Army, there by every conceiv-being combed out and large levies had able expedient and undoubtedly helped been made frem munition works (300,000 to win that battle. The loyalty to and of Grade 1 already); 50,000 had been comradeship for General Foch, were un- taken from the coal mines, and another doubted and the Prime Minister had no 50,000 would be required from that doubt that the new arrangement would source. The transport services had also be carried out not only in the letter but been dealt with and further calls made in the spirit. Strategical unity was a necessary to have the men, but to have upon the Civil Service. It was not only

fundamental condition of unity, and

them quickly could only be maintained by complete. co-operation between the Government and Generals and with public opinion unmis takably behind it. The Premier urged the nation at home to stand united for the united control of the strategical ape rations of our armies at the front. We were fighting a very powerful foe, whose successes had been mainly due to the superior unity of his strategic plans,

Do the sake of winning the war, the War reached by a majority, but he was afraid Cabinet's methods in dealing with the the Government to say that it repre the majority was not sufficient to enable war were different from their methods of

dealing with Ireland sented a substantial agreement. Thatir Edward Carson warmly supported SIR EDWARD CARSONS SUPPORT.

meant that the Government must accept conscription for Ireland. He was glad Parliament, with the guidance of the battle for freedom, but he regretted that the responsibility of submitting to length would take its proper place in the and proud to think that his country at

Convention's report, such proposals for the question was mixed up with Homie Ireland as were just and could be one against conscription, and another re the establishment of self-Government in Rule. This might raise two agitations-- carried without violent controversy. The garding Homs nule. Both would be pre Government proposed to introduce such's judicial to the operations of the Act measure at an early date and to advise After discussing Mr. Dillon's motion- the House to pass it without delay, for for an hour, the Government moyed the brought into the fighting-line it was right es. when large numbers of youths would be closure, which was carried by 310 votes to

THE NEW PROPOSALS. The Premier proceeded to discuss the He regretted, first, that it was necessary proposals of the new Man-Power Bill to miss the military age to 50, and in that they should feel they were not fight- Mr. Dillon's motion was defeated by Botne specified cases, to 55. The lattering to establish a principle abroad which-323 votes to 80, after which the discussion: age referred to men of special qualifi did not apply to them. (Iriah uproar,) was resumed. 20-

entions, training and experience. It was proposed, further, to use the Govern THE DOMINIONS' FINE RESPONSE. BILL PASSES FIRST READING. ment's powers, to cancel exemption. It The Premier proceeded: The appeals

LONDON, April 10th. was also proposed that. His Majesty we addressed to the Dominions produced In the Hour of Commons the Man- might, by Proclamation declaring that a fine response (Cheers.) They have Power Bill passed its first reading by 223 national emergency had arisen, direct already furnished about a million magni votes to 80 any exemptions from military service to firent fighting men and all of them are conse to have effect,

taking the necessary steps to send more.

(Continued Beoci4;)