Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1915-11-16
Winston Churchill
inHis Own Defense
DARoANELLEs ATTACK NOT A
CIVILIAN PLAN
EXPERTS coUNsELLED
Says All of the Expeditions Were Ap-
proved Before They Were Under;
taken-No Truth That He Issued
Orders Against Advice of Experts.

Spencer. Churchill, who has Eeen the
most severely criticized member of the
government, and who has been held per-
sonally responsible for the loss of Rear
Admiral Sir Christopher Cradock's feet
in the Pacific, the destruction by sub
marines OF the British cruisers Cressy,
Hogue and Aboukir, the Antwerp ex-
pedition and the failure of the naval
speech In his defense in the house of
commons today. following the resig-
nation OF his post in the cabinet.
sI won't have 1t said," was mis- dra-
matte assertion. referring to the Dar-
danelIes attack, that this was civil
teur upon reluctant officers and ex-
pertS."
And this summed his reply to all his
critics. In every case he showed that
experts had counselled and concurred
before any of the expeditions which
and it was clear, before he had gone
far, that the house of commons sympa-
thized with him.
cheered by Supporters.
For months Mr.. Churchill has lived
under reproaches. His entrance to the
house today was passed almost un-
noticed. AS he rose his supporters
gave him encouraging cheers. Appro-
baton increased in volume as he an
swered one question after another,
and he concluded amidst hurricane
of applause, while members of all po-
lideal parties crossed the house to
congratulate him.
Nothing Apolosetie About Speech.
There wast nothing apologetic about
the speech of the former first lord of
the admiralty, who some months ago
was transferred to the chanrellorship
Of the duchy of Lancaster, the Office
hes has just resigned. His references
to Admiral Lord Fisher, the former
first sea lord. who, he said, had not
openly opposed the Dardaneiles under
taking, were spoken in firm tones of
condemnation. In the opinion of the
house. Mr.. Churchill fully Justified ev-'
cry step he took while head of the
admiralty, As to the despatch Of Rear
AdndfraI Cradock's squadron, ne said
he was in full agreement with the ex-
peTts and advisors Of that time-~Ad-
fniral Prince Louis Of Battenburg and
Vice Admiral Sir Frederick Sturde-
and that the dispositions were the
best that could be made in the circum-
stances. There was no truth in the
charge that he had ordered, against
the advice of the experts, the Hogue,
Cressy and Aboukir to remain at sea,
where they were sunk by German sub
marines. The Antwerp expedition
originated with Lord Kitchener, the
secretary for war. and the French gov
ernment;; while the naval attack on
the Dardanelles was deliberately con-
stdered and had the full support of the
advisors at home and those on the
spot.
Was Advised of Danger.
Both with regard to Antwerp and
Dardanelles. Mr.. Churchill, for the
purpose of defending himself against
approaches, went q little further than
merely producing evidence that he had
followed expert adviR A month be-
dertaken. he said he had advised with
Premier Asquith, Sir Edward Grey, the
foreign secretary, and. Lord Kitchener
as to the dangerous situation develop
ing then and the grave consequences
to admiralty interests that would re-
But" he added, mo action was
taken" =
pardanelIes Endorsed by Council Of
War.
As to the Dardanelles. before a naval
attack was undertaken he offered to
provide transports for 10000 troops
from Egypt, on the chance of their
being wanted, but was informed that
no troops were available and that, IL
they were, they should not be used
in Gallipoli. The naval attack was
endorsed by Vice Admiral Garden, who
was in command at the time, by the
war council, which Lord Fisher at
tended and where nobody spoke word
against it, and by the French ministry
of marine.
sOverruIed by Experts.
The third attack was about to be-
gin on March Is when, after consulta-
ton with Admiral Robeck and Gem
Seral Sir Ian Hamilton, it was decided
to postpone it until the troops were
ready. He opposed delay, but was
oyerruled BY the experts. He rather
inclined in his speech to criticize the
long periods which were allowed to
elapse between the attacks since the
army landed.
Mr.. Churchill paid a tribute to Lord
Fisher for the Improvement he had in
troduced in the navy since the out
break OF the war and expressed conf
dence ultimate victory would be
achieved through the extinction Of
German manhood.
NON.TRANSFERRA