The Army's Progress
A survey by the War Minister of the military situation when the military situation is comparatively static gives no great scope for descriptive eloquence. In such circumstances Mr. Hore Belisha's report to Parliament on Wednesday was largely statistical, and even there he was hampered by the necessity of withholding detailed information. He could only say, for example, that the i 58,00o men which consti- tuted the British Army in France when he last addressed the House had since been increased by " several thousands a week." At the same time there are close on a million men undergoing intensive training in Britain. By the spring the Dominions will be making their contribution. Mr. Hore Belisha has just returned from a visit to the Front, and his personal testimony to the spirit of the troops and the extensive provision made for their comfort was impressive. The Labour and Liberal Oppositions could find little to criticise in this hopeful picture, but if their suspicions that equipment and supplies are deficient have any basis, they are right to demand a debate on the question. Whether the secret session which Mr. Attlee asks for is necessary or wise is much more doubtful.
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