The Regulations, though showing clearly that the Reserve is for
use and not for show in case of the invasion of these islands, leave great elasticity as regards its use. In our opinion, however, there can be no doubt that if the enemy landed or there were imminent peril of their doing so, the great need of the hour would be the bringing up of all the cadres at home, whether Territorial, Regular, or Special Reserve, to the full war strength, and that for this purpose the National Reserve would be found invaluable. The main point, however, is to have a reservoir full of trained men of intelligence, moral, and patriotism, into which, in case of imminent need, the military authorities can dip for any and every purpose of home defence. In order, however, to attain this reservoir it is essential that no burdensome peace condi- tions, but only the invasion obligation, shall be laid upon the men. Otherwise the sources which fill the reservoir will be at once dried up.
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