On Tuesday, in the Commons, when Army affairs were discussed.
Mr. Amery declared that neither the Expedition- ary Force nor the Army that would remain at home was fit to undertake its task. Colonel Seely replied that in 1899 we could not send 10,000 men to Natal without -withdrawing troops from India, Ceylon, and elsewhere. It was absurd to say that nothing had been done. Holding up an envelope marked "secret," be said that it contained a complete scheme of mobilization. Any member who applied to him would be allowed to read the scheme in confidence ; 150,000 men could be sent abroad within a few days, fully equipped and sure of reinforcements for three months. The one word " mobilize " would set everything in motion. Nothing like it had ever been done before. We note that Colonel Seely's pan of confidence appears to contain the admission that invasion is possible. He says that our home-keeping troops will be able to repel it, but it is significant and useful to have the acknowledgment that the possibility of a landing is not ruled out by every member of the Government.
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