While recording this good news we must make no attempt
to conceal the terrible character of our losses. It is true that the German losses have been probably twice, or possibly even three times, as heavy, but that does not make our own losses the less awful. That we shall be able to make them good is no doubt true, but, unfortunately, we have not an inexhaustible human reservoir to draw upon, or, at any rate, not yet. Here, in fact, as in every other direction, we are brought back to the imperative need of more men. Here is the essential, and on this the nation must fix its heart and mind with unwavering determination. But such deter- mination can only be awakened and maintained if the Government will take the whole British people into their confidence, not making panic disclosures, but offering a grave statement of what is at stake and explaining how we must meet the peril of the hour. The people must be made to realize what the situation is, as they certainly do not yet realize it. If that is done, we have no fear of the result. If it is not done, our awakening may very easily come too late.
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