New-York tribune., 1918-05-08
Truth Was Distorted
by the Premier, Says
General in Letter
to Press
British Public
Stirred by Charge
Full Inquiry Demand
ed by Both Sides:
Accuser May Be
Disciplined
By Arthur S. Draper

LONDON, May S.-Major Gen.
eral r. B. Maurice. recently removed
from the post of Chief Director of
Military Operations, attacked the
veracity of the Premier and the
leader of the House of Commons
yesterday.
In letter published in the morn
ing papers he charged Andrew
Bonar Law and Lloyd George with
misstating military facts in the
House of Commons.
The accusation produced sensa-
ton equal to the moral effect of a
reverse to British arms. 1t has al
ready resulted in a decision to test
the governments strength. The
Cabinet late iik'the night issued call
to all its supporters tS attend the
House Thursday for division.
The apparent result will be the aban-
donment of previous plans to refer
the matter to court of honor or n
military tribunal, and to leave the
decision entirely to the House.
Charges Unprecedented
Giving the lie direct by distin-
guished military leader is some
thing unprecedented in English
public affairs, and no greater
bombshell has been thrown in poljt-
ical circles during the war. The
gravity Of the issues involved has
raised the letter of the late Chief
of Military Operations to interna-
tional proportions.
The subject was raised in Parlia-
ment in the afternoon during oues-
tion time, when, in reply to Asquith,
Bonar Law said that the govern
ment intended to appoint two judges
to hear secretly the facts of the
case.
To Court Martial Accuser
1t was also announced that day
for debate on the subject would be
named. The expectation that Lloyd
George would seize the opportunity
for making an Immediate reply was
not realized. General Maurice, it
was then said, would come before a
court martial Immediately, as he is
still an officer in the army.
Sir Edward Carson, who was for
merly member of the Lloyd George
government, filed questions with
Bonar Law, as did Asquith, the
leader of the Liberals. The Irish
Nationalists are certain to return to
Westminster for the debate, it was
said this evening.
That it is not a party issue was
proven by the fact that the Conserva-
tive Morning Post" and "Globe" de-
mand prompt inquiry, as do the Lib
eral Daily Chronicle" "Daily News"
"Star" and Westminster Gazette"
Reputed ministerial papers like "The
Times" "The Daily Mall" "The Daily
Express" "Thc Daily Telegraph" ex-
press no editorial comment. In fact.
THE Times" is the only one of them
that gives publicity to the remarkable
letter.
Predicts Government Fall
The Conservative "Globe" says:
"The downfall of the government is
now inevitable" while the Liberal
Westminster Gazette" says: There
must be a drastic change and if it in
wolves change of government that
must come. too"
"The Globe" says: 1--WE are anxious
that our allies and our dominions
should realize that change in Down.
inc Street is inevitable and we would
caution them against the belief that
the fall of Lloyd George involves col
lapse, defeat or pacifism. which were
never at such discount in Britain a
they are to-day"
General Maurice, who Ehroueh his
weekly conferences with well known
American correspondents interpreted
military situations, was the Chief Of
Military Operations from 1915 until the
middle of last month and as such. en-
loved An unsurnaauad ourA~xuu;s~. 90