New-York tribune., 1918-02-13
to retain the trust and loyal devotion
of the British troops
Debt of Gratitude

to retain the trust and loyal devotion
of the British troops"
Debt of Gratitude
eve owe to them," Mr.. Asquth con-
tinued. "unstinted gratitude and un-
wavering confidence. and there are no
two men whose judgment in military
matters l would more unhesitatingly
accept"
The former Premier said he thought
il could be possible for the government
to give definition of the enlargement
of the functions of the 1nter-Allied
War Council. just as in the first pace
they had defined puhl'rly the original
functions of the council.
House W wishes to know" now Mr.. Mr. Asquith
continued, whether any change has
been made in the status of the per-
sonnel or the functions of the com
of the General Staff. | rule out as
absolutely irrelevant in matters of this
+ kind all rumors of personal rivalries
and sQuabbles, such as we read Of in
the papers. | cannot believe in them,
and shall not until | have overwhelming
evidence to the contrary. cannot and
will not believe considerations of that
kind can sway the action of politicians
or military men.
be discharging its duty unless it asked
the government to define authorita
lively, with view to quieting suspi
cions and removing doubt, that the
strategy of the war will be conducted
on sound lines and one lines which are
approved by those who are our high
est technical advisers. We should have
complete confidence in the system on
which we are carrying on the war and
on perfect harmony of opinion, as we'll
as of effort, between the government
and those who are its servants"
In his speech at the opening of Par
had reached critical stage, which de-
manded more than ever the full use of
the country's energies and resources.
Until recognition is offered of the
only principles upon which an honorable
peace can be concluded, the King de-
clared, it is the duty of the British to
prosecute the war with all the vigor
they possess.
Following is the Kings speech:
"My Lords and Gentlemen: The
necessities of war render it imperative
for me, after but brief interval, to
summon you again to your delibera-
tions. The aims for which | and my
allies are contending were recently set
forth by my government in statement
which received the emphatic approval
of my peoples throughout the empire,
and provided fair basis for settlement
of the present struggle and reestab-
lishment of national rights and inter-
national peace in the future.
Just Demands Ignored
"The German government has, how
ever, ignored our just demands that it
should make restitution for the wrongs
it has committed and furnish guar
antees against their unprovoked repe-
tition. It's spokesmen refuse any obli-
cations for themselves, while denying
rightful liberties of others. Until q
recognition is offered of the only prin-
ciples on which an honorable peace ear
, be concluded it is our duty to prosecute
the war with all the vigor we possess.
81 have full confidence that my forces
in the field, in close cooperation with
' those of my faithful allies, will con
z tinue to display the same heroic cour
age and my people at home the same
e unselfsh devotion that have alread,
n frustrated so many Of the enemy's de
t signs, and will insure the ultimate tri
t umph of the righteous cause.
z 81 have summoned representatives o
G my dominions and my Indian Empire t.
n a further session of the Imperial Wa
n Cabinet in order that l may again re
It cciye their advice on questions Of mo
e ment affecting the common interests O
e the empire.
It "Gentlemen Of the House of Com
II mons, you will be asked to make suit
y able provisions for the requirements o
the combatant services and for the sta
t bility of our national finances
: My lords and gentlemen, the strug
d gle in which we are engaged ha
7 reached q critical stage which demand
t more than ever our united energies an
t, resources. | confidently commend t
: your patriotism the measures whic
d will be submitted to you. and l pra