17 NOVEMBER 1917, Page 13

In any case it is clear that the Allied Council

at Versailles would not only have the power but the moral right to choose between their two sets of military advisers and to adopt the advice which at the moment seemed the more palatable. It is in this conflict of powers and functions that the dangers lurk. This matter of the Council is fraught with such tremendous risks that it is hotter to be perfectly plain-spoken, though the task is unpleasant. Why did Mr. Lloyd George devise the Council in that particular form which we have described ? He devised it because he wished to free himself from criticism, and, in a sense, from control in technical military matters on the part of the Chief of the General Staff. Mr. Lloyd George is a man of very strong as well as very volatile will. He does not often want the same thing for many days together, but while he is wanting a thing he is determined to have it at any costa, and to shake off the influence of theca who cross or impede his wilL