The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-05
LLOYD GEORGES
NOTES TO ASQUITH
Hesitation and Delay Are
Charged by Letters in
Controversy.
SPLIT OVER CARSON
Appointment to War Council
Fought Vigorously by
Former Premier.
spectdi Cable Despatch TO The sus.

Copyright. 1919: oil riohts reserred.
LONDON, Feb. 4-Private letters ex-
changed between Premier Lloyd George
and Herbert Asauith in December. 1916.
Published in the current issue OF the
Atlantic Monthly. have been read with
intense interest here and have caused
the Manchester Guardidn. formerly the
most powerful Asqulth organ. to swing
to support OF the Premier. The letters
tell the Internal story OF the Cabinet
turmoil over the formation OF the War
Council that resulted in Mr.. Asquith's
resignation.
Lloyd George has issued a statement
saying that the publication was without
his knowledge or sanction. He said he
considered the publication a gross viola
ton OF the sanctities OF intimate corre-
spondence and that he has no knowledge
OF the means by which the letters were
obtained
The letters have enabled the British
public to clear up its mind as to the
fairness OF the political maneuvres by
which Lloyd George attained the Pre-
mership. In them the causes for his
break with Mr.. Asquith are mentioned in
detail. and in one of them appears the
frank declaration to Mr.. Asquith that he
believed his former chief was not a
leader OF sufficient ''vigor and vision"
10 lead the empire through the war
successfully.
Lloyd George Upheld.
The Gudrdidn In announcing its con-
version to the side of the Premier says:
In our clear conviction, which was
not hastily formed. Lloyd George was
absolutely right in his action as Minister
OF War at a time when he had the best
opportunities OF knowing that with ex-
sting methods and personnel Great
Britain stood an excellent chance OF
losing the war. and that the supreme In
terest of the country demanded a change.
The documents have OF course been
seen by a certain number OF persons
End they are perfectly correct in saying
the papers will set at rest some legends.
Though opinions may differ most people
will conclude that they relieve Lloyd
George OF the charges Of deceit and
trickery, disloyalty even, which have
been too frequently brought against
him"
Tho Atlantic Monthly assumes full re-
sponsbility for the authenticity OF the
letters, stating that they were shown
10 a favored few in London; copies
have been lent and returned and in one
instance, al least. given away" The
reason for their publication is thus
stated
In the opinion OF some competent
British judges the time has come when
these letters can be printed-if not in
England at least in America"
Action over Carson.
Perhaps the most significant fact of
the famous controversy is the statement
recurring in several OF the letters, that
Lloyd George insisted on the inclusion
In the new War Council OF Sir Edward
Carson, the Irish leader. 1t was apparen
that on this name camo the first dissen
sion between the Prime Minister and his
9ecretary for War Against Sir Edward
Carson Mr. Asquith advanced the nam'
Of Mr.. Balfour. The reason for L!oyo
not appear.
Aside from this factor, the politica
and press circles are iprohably mos
greatly stirred by the apparent sincerit,
Of the tactics by which Lloyd Georg'
forced the hand OF his superior and lec
him to resign The first move TO create
new War Council. to supplant the Wa
Committee, which had become unwield,
from its size. was made November g
eestion called for a Government by 4;
tr,umvirate consisting of Mr.. Asquth
NJ. Law and Lloyd George.
To that Mr.. Asquith replied by sug
costing council OF Ave. adding tn,
Minister of Munitions and another mem
Der without portfolio. The understand
aug was that the Prime Minister was t.
a. as chairman and that the council
orders would be effective at once. subjec
10 appeal 10 the Cabinet.
Il was evident from the tenor OF tn
Premiers letter, dated December ! 1916
that he believed the proposal was di
rscted TO undermine his domination o
the war victory. The matter then restet
for three days, during which the Atldnti
Monthly states. there were conference
between the Premier and Lloyd George
A. these conferences the question OF tn
presence OF the Premier at the meeting
NJ the War Council was paramount
Iloyd George contendng that undo
press of 40 many affairs it would man.
times be 'nconvcnent for the Premier 4
attend regularly
Protest Made by Asquith.
Mr.. Asquith protested vigorously a
Chs He was further incensed at Lloyt
Georges espousal OF Sir Edward Carson
They parted with some hostility, an,
upon lIe DAY loIloNlnR, december
The Tunes published an article defining
The relations of the Premier and Lloy,
George. which led Mr.. Asquith to ad
Dress a note to his Secretary for Wal
g which he said:
Unless the impression Ia at once cor
rec;ed that I am being relegated TO tn
position Of an irresponsible spectator o
to war, cannot possibly go on
The differences thus begun In Lloy,
Georges endeavor TO bring about a NOR
Efficient medium for the conduct OF tn
va were speedily heightened. Mr.. As
QHtl reiterated that in whatever ncv
council was formed the Prime Ministe
= 20 maintain the supreme and effec
te 'ortrol OF the war policy.
Lloyd George replied he had no In
f1ence with Lord Northclifre. publishe
o. the Times, and that he had not rea
the article in question.
The Premier's answer came bac
promptly the same day. 1t containe
ire announcement that he had obtaine
tl'hor.ty OF the King to accept III
resignation OF hts colleagues and to forl
new Government. II said also the
'ne Prime Milister must continue I