New-York tribune., 1918-02-19
Asquith Demands Reason
for Removal of Gen.
Robertson
Deposed Leader Is
Given Minor Post
To Command Eastern Sec
ton of the British
Isles

have to wait another twenty-four
hours at least for the governments
explanation of the retirement of Cen
eral Sir William Robertson and the de-
cision of the Versailles conference.
Andrew Bonar Law, as government
leader in the House of Commons, this
afternoon declined to anticipate the
Premier's statement, which, if Mr..
Lloyd George RECEIVERS from the severe
chill from which he is suffering, he
will make in the House tomorrow
afternoon. The matter was brought up
by former Premier Asquith to-day, who
asked if the House might expect a
statement from the Premier tomorrow
on the communication which had ap-
pearcd in the press regarding changes
in the General Staff, and whether there
would be full opportunity of discus
sion.
Mr.. Bonar Law replied in the af-
frmative. He said that the Premier
was suffering from a severe chill, but
had sent him telephone message that
he hoped to be in the House of Com
mons tomorrow. Answering another
question, Mr.. Bonar Law announced
that General Robertson had accepted
the Eastern command. This covers the
| eastern parts Of the British Isles.
"Why Not the Boy Scouts?"
James Myles Hogge interj jected
"Why not the Boy Scouts ?" This had
reference to the inferiority of the
Eastern command to other commands
which General Robertson had held.
Mr.. Bonar Law refused to say
whether General Robertson had re-
signed or was dismissed, nor would he
say whether Field Marshal Haig and
General Robertson had approved the
findings of the Versailles conference,
explaining that he did not wish to an
{ ticipate the Premer's speech.
Mr.. Bonar Law added that if there
was any desire that there should be an
opportunity for a vote the government
would be willing to meet the wishes
Of the House.
This was interpreted as an express
sion of the readiness of the govern
ment to meet vote of censure, but in
view of General Robertson's acceptance
of another command the prevailing
opinion in the lobby was that no seri-
mer's statement.
The controversy as to the position
Of General Robertson, whose resigna,
ton as chief of staff was announced
last week, is the principal subject OF
discussion to-day in the morning news
papers, which give various versions
Of the causes which brought about q
situation that is generally regretted
/ General Robertson, whose abilities and
repeated his assertion: II have not re-
signed" He has refused any further
! statement.
Difference in Words
There seems to be no question, how
ever, that the difference between the
/ governments announcement and that
Of the general is merely difference in
words, the government having inter
preted his refusal to serve on the SUI
preme War Council or to remain as
chief of staff with limited powers as
a resignation, while the general, dis
sented from that interpretation.
SO far as is known, there is no proba-
bility of any Encouragement whereby
! General Robertson would remain as
chief of staff, but hope is expressed
!
ties and wide experience will not be
lost to the country. Newspapers hos
tile to Premier Lloyd George believe
/ he influenced the war cabinet to cause
| General Robertson to resign, while else
whore the fact that the general was
! offered the post on the Supreme Wa,
Council is held to acquit the Premier
of any personal bias.
"Thc Chronicles" version of these
events makes the whole matter turr
upon the necessity of closer coopera
ton among the Allies, which it say:
the Premier always has advocated
According to "Thc Chronicles" state
ment, it was the urgent demand o.
| Great Britain's allies, Avoiced at the
recent Versailles conference, which lee
to the adoption of the new policy fol
strengthening the defence against tn,
threatened German blow on the West
ern front; plan for greater unifica
tion of action and command. 9th,
Chronicle" continues:
"This policy was the policy of th'
Premiers Of England, France and Ital,
and Of President Wilson's representa-
tive, as advised by their military cx
perts. 1t was accepted by Genera
Foch, by General Bliss and by tn,
deputy chief Of the Italian Staff. Gen
cral Robertson was present when tn,
policy was adopted, but was oppose,
to the plan. Field Marshal Haig, OF
the other hand, whose duty is to carr,
out the plan, is not opposed thereto
but on the contrary accepts it withou
reservation.
Will NOT Alter Plan
"The plan does not depend for it.
success on any individual, so while
General Robertson's cooperation woult
have been helpful and welcome, th,
plan itself will not be affected, but vii
be carried OUT
"Thc Daily News" declares the Incl
dent is final and complete example
of the methods of administration Pre-
mier Lloyd George has practised since
he first took office
"If they are accepted by Parliamen
in this final FORM" the newspaper con
tinues, "then revolution has been eff
fected in this country. The method i;
this: The Premier and his associate.
determine upon certain enterprise
Parliament knows nothing about it
The same secrecy which attends it:
conception is observed throughout it.
execution. Wherever possible the vic
tins are removed without notice. Al
is done by kindness. Then at the ac
cepted time the mine is sprung ant
Parliament is presented with a fat
accompli.
"There is one issue-only one-ir
this incident which matters. 1t is
whether parliamentary government is
to continue to be a reality in this