Las Vegas optic., 1914-03-26
HE IS ITS VIRTUAL HEAD
OTHER GENERAL OFFICERS HOLD
MEETING TODAY TO DECIDE
ON POLICY
MAY DISRUPT THE system
WHOLE MILITARY FABRIC MAY
BE TORN AsUNDER BECAUSE
OF ULSTER

was brought face to face today with
new crisis by the resignation OF
Field Marshal Sir John French,
chief Of the imperiar staff, and virtual
head Of the British army
Other leading officers of the army
we're also expected to hand in their
papers as a direct outcome of the re-
pudiation of the guarantees given to
the army officers in Ireland. The pre-
mier yesterday declared that these
guarantees were not sanctioned by
the cabinet. Colonel Seeley, secre-
tary for war, subsequently resigned
fIom the cabinet, but the premier re-
fused to accept his resignation
The result of meeting at the war
office of the principal commanding
generals of the British army was
awaited with anxiety by the general
public and in political circles today,
as 1t was thought they might take
some step which would virtually dis
rupt the army administration. In the
north OF Ireland, where the contro-
yersy between nationaiists and union
lists has been the cause OF SO much
difficulty to the British goEernment
there was no disturbance today. The
two parties were seemingly content
to await events In London.
A news agency issued an announce
ment that both Field Marshal French
and Adiutant General Sir John spen-
Ger Ewart had rendered their resig-
nations and added that the govern
ment had refused to accept either Of
them.
The war office declined to give any
information on the subject, and it
was declared that no official state
ment would be available before Pre-
mier Asquith himself made the an
nouncement in the house tonight.
1t was persistently reported today
that number Of senior officers Of the
cavalry brigade at the CurTagh camp
in Ireland had resigned and it was
stated that the majority Of the regi-
mental officers Of the Mounted Units
there we're determined to maintain
their refusal to serve against the
unionists in Ulster.
Strong pressure was evidently
brought to bear on Sir John French
to retain his position at the head of
the army. He was summoned to an
interview with Premier Asquith after
the prime minister had seen King
George. Subsequently the field mar
shal proceeded to Buckingham palace
to confer with the king.
John French, chief Of the imperial
general staff Of the British army, re-
signed his commission today.
The field marshal, who was one Of
the signatories of the memorandum to
Brigadier General Hubert Cough CIV
ing guarantees to the army officers
that they would not be ordered to
fight the Ulster unionists, regarded
the reputation Of the document By
the government as slight on him
self. For this reason he resigned
Premier Asquith, according to a
statement by David LloydsGeorge,
chancellor Of the exchecquer. will
make an announcement tonight on the
subject Of the resignation of Field
Marshall French and the reported res
ignation of General Ewart,
A question was asked at the open
ing Of the house Of commons regard
'sssssthe resignation ~SEA Lloyd George
replied ia the absence Of rhe premier,
who had gone to buckingham palace
to see King George. The reply of
MT. Lioyd-George was taken gener-
ally by the members asa confirmation
Of the report that both generals had
rendered their designations. one Of
the evening newspapers Gays definite
y that Ewart also has resigned