New-York tribune., 1918-03-09
Allied Cause Improves
Weekly, Says Bonar Law
Results in Shpbuildng Disappointing He Tells Commons
but He Predicts Construction Soon Will Equaze Losses
Shows How Russian Collapse Affected All Fronts

LONDON. March S.-Chancellor of
the EXchcquer Andrew Bonar Law. in
his addressed before the Commons yes
terday, asking for new vote Of credit,
expressed confidence in the military
situation, declaring that every week
meant improvement in favor of the Al
lies and increased their ability to bring
American resources to play an impor-
tant part. He said it was needless to
fear that the Germans would attain a
superiority on the West front, either
in guns or in men, while the Allies, on
the other hand. held an overwhelming
superiority in the air. British army
officers in France, he said, did not be-
lieve the long heralded German attack
would be made, and were confident Of
repelllng 1t at any time.
Americas Resources a Factor
$50 far l have considered the posi-
ton without taking America into ac-
count" said the Chancellor "But
America is the last factor that ought
to be left out of the account The
United States is q nation of hundred
million people and with the largest re-
sources in the world. Its value de-
pends upon the success of our opera
tions at sea, which will enable those
resources to be brought to the use Of
the Allies.
I'VE have been disappointed with the
results of shipbulding this month.
There is nothing more vital in this war
than what is done in two directions
the building of ships and the Destroy
ing OF submarines. 1t has been antici-
pated by the Admiralty that there
would be at the end of the second quar-
ter of this year new construction that
would more than equalzc losses.
There is a fear that this is not now
possible so soon. but it is not doubted,
I.think, that it is coming"
In referring to the air service. Mr..
remembering that his own son had
been killed in the flying service. The
House cheered in sympathy with the
Chancellor. Quickly recovering him
self, Mr.. Bonar Law spoke of the
splendid organization of the Entente
Allied forces on the Western front
He declared that member of the
government who had been with the
troops in France had told him that
while headquarters expected an often
sive, when he got lower down the line
and talked with brigadiers and bat
TALON commanders who were in daily
contact with the enemy, he found that
these men did not believe the Germans
would attack and that the British OF
ticers were confident Of their su-
periority.
Effect of Russian Collapse
The Chancellor said the dropping out
of Russia deeply affected every theatre
OF war except that in the German colo
nies, out of which the Germans had
been driven. The only remaining force
in the field was one of 1000, Of which
only 200 were Germans, now wander
ing in Portuguese East Africa.
Rumania, through the failure of
Russia. the Chancellor explained, has
been placed in position little short
OF tragic. AT present, he said, peace
negotiations are proceeding between
Rumania and the Central Powers, and
it would not be right to go further
the Rumanian people and the regret
that conditions absolutely beyond Al
lied control render it impossible to go
to her assistance.
Referring to Mesopotamia and Pal
estine, the Chancellor said he doubted
whether it ever had been possible to
carry out decisive operations by means
of troops transferred by sea.
when we had sufficient tonnage to
move troops by sea-" the Chancellor
continued, 1--WE did not have suf-
fcient number of trained troops to
move, and now the tonnage position
has made it impossible to move very
large forces in that way"
These operations. however, Mr.
Ronar Law contended. have resulted in
+. of Of ,irh bo
ny may feel proud and of which the
capture of Jerusalem was the culmi-
nation. That event was not the end,