DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2357, 25 November 1908, Page 5

DEFENCE OF BRITAIN

DEBATE in the house of LORDS.

WEIGHTY SPEECH BY LORD / ROBERTS.

United Press Association. Copyright (Received Nov. 24, 10.55 p.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 24

Lord Roberts, in a weighty speech, moved in the House of Lords, “That the defence of the country necessitates the Government’s immediate attention to the provisiomj/of an army so strong and efficient tfiat the most formidable foreign nation-would hesitate to attempt landing in Britain, also that it is desirable, in view of the altered strategic conditions in the North Sea, that the Government should, following Mr. Balfour’s precedent in 1905, make a statement on the invasion problem and definitely state the conclusions reached as the result of the recent inquiry by the committee on Imperial defence.” Lord Roberts disclaimed the slightest hostility; in Britain to Germany, but nevertheless emphasised that his and Lord Lovat’s inquiries convinced him that there were available at all times in German ports ships sufficient to convey 200,000 soldiers. The latter could be collected without fuss or mobilisation. One hundred thousand could be transported in the same number of ships which Mr. Balfour informed the House in 1905 would be needed for half that force. Their debarkation would occupy far less time than Mr Balfour thought necessary for a much smaller force. Mr. Baliour’s optimism, in stating that serious invasions were not a possibility we need discuss, had had a most unfortunate effect, because the War Office which had, up to-1905, been preparing a defence army equal to any emergency then contemplated, immediately stopped all schemes for resisting invasion, and decided that it was only necessary to provide against a couple of raids by 5000 men each. The public had accepted the statement with delight. It was just what they wanted to hear, but it was possible that our fleets might be misled and evaded and an army landed, receiving help from the 80,000 Germans now-here in various capacities, but all trained soldiers. Events in the Near East had proved that nothing can save a country unable to protect itself. No alliance, no treaties avail. Every nation must defend itself. We need a territorial force of one million men.

Lords Lovat and Milner supported Lord Roberts, while Lord Cromer commented on Europe’s recentelectric shock, and hoped that a statement on tlie invasion problem would be deferred.

Lord Middleton urged that if the Government wanted to make the territorial army a reality it must tell the people the truth in regard to ihe vital matter of defence.

Lord Crewe, opposing the resolution, said lie hoped the discussion would not lead to grave misunderstandings' abroad. He admitted that the country ought to be in a position to meet invasion, however remote the possibility might be, adding that the general staff of the army had prepared a scheme making it possible to throw the largest practicable force to any given point at any time needed.

Lord Lansdowne said that neither Mr. Balfour nor the Defence Committee claimed finality for the position in 1905. Great changes had occurr’ed since then. He asked for some general statement, including information relating to the force to repel invasion. The last portion of 4 the resolution was withdrawn, and the first part carried by 74 votes to 32.