The Indian Budget was debated on Monday in the Viceroy's
Council, when Lord Kitchener explained the Military Budget. After studying the Indian Army, he had concluded that although it contained splendid material, the best possible value had not been obtained. The reorganisation had rendered possible the mobilisation of nine infantry divisions and eight cavalry brigades with a rapidity unknown before. The m's- arming of the artillery and troops was practically complete. In spite of the greater efficiency, the cost of the Army (excluding the expenditure on the new weapons) was consider- ably less than in the previous five years. Owing to the financial stringency, new projects had been abandoned, but all works in hand were being continued. Lord Kitchener denied vigorously the recent statement of Sir Edwin Collen that the now policy meant the massing of troops on the frontier. Finally, he praised the effects of the abolition of the Military Supply Department.
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