In the Lords Lord Crewe's statement followed the lines of
Sir Edward Grey's summary. Lord Morley warned the Government against the danger of dispersing the strength of the Allies, and expressed his regret that the Government bad withheld information from the nation. Lord Ribblesdale and Lord Devonport both complained that the Government tried to suppress debate. If the speeches of Lord Morley, Lord Devonport, and Lord Ribblesdale were unhelpful, the most mistaken in tone was, in our judgment, Lord Milner's. Though we have little to object to in its substance, it was in manner an angry, gloomy speech, more likely to dishearten than to create the atmosphere of resolution which is absolutely necessary in the admittedly serious circumstances. What did the Lords meet for? asked Lord Milner. It must be either to receive information or to give counsel, since they were not there for legislation. But information was not given and counsel was not asked. He wished he had spoken his mind sooner. The Government ought to decide quickly about the Dardanelles. It was said that withdrawal would have a bad effect in the East, but the effect of a complete disaster would be worse. It was now hopeless to expect a successful com- pletion of the operations. We greatly regret that Lord Milner should have thought it his duty to speak in this strain.
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