SIR, — I have read with much interest the correspondence in your
last issue between Mr. Arnold-Forster and Sir Howard Vincent, but being a member of the Volunteer Force, it would not be right for me to comment upon it. The authorities, who are responsible for the defence of the country, say that it is efficiency, and not numbers, that is required. It is therefore our duty as Volunteers to do the best we can to conform to this demand, even if there is some decrease in our numbers. I believe before an order is issued from the War Office, Mr. Arnold-Forster and General Mackinnon, Inspector-General of the Auxiliary Forces, con- sult certain representative Volunteer commanding officers.
I should say that I have never myself been consulted, nor have I the honour of knowing Mr. Arnold-Forster.
I have commanded the 1st Bucks Regiment for five years, and have never had any difficulty in meeting the Government requirements. Last year, out of a total strength of eight hundred and sixty, eight hundred and thirty-one were present in camp for a week, and seven hundred and eighty-nine for the fortnight. These satisfactory returns are largely due to the facilities given in the county by employers of labour. What can be done in Bucks should be possible elsewhere, certainly with country regiments. I know there are certain Volunteer regiments in London, consisting largely of clerks and small shopkeepers and shop assistants, who find it impossible to get away for camp. If the authorities contend that it is essential that all Volunteers should go to camp for a week (and I must say I do not think the demand unreasonable), I am afraid many of these classes will be lost to the Volunteers. We must hope, however, that they will support the rifle-club movement. Before the war our strength was seven hundred and thirty, and of that number one hundred and twenty-eight men and three officers served in South Africa.—I am, Sir, &c.,
ALFRED GILBEY
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