We have discussed the general question involved in this scheme
elsewhere, but must note here that the Committee desire to add to the Defence Committee now existing a permanent Department which shall inform the Premier, upon whose general ascendency they lay great stress, and shall keep him straight in all technical matters. They think this necessary to maintain continuity of action, and to provide against the chance of a Premier being appointed who is not interested in, or competent for, questions of national defence. There will be great dis- cussions upon this project, which involves a Constitutional innovation, and may introduce grave evils of its own, unless the duties of the new Department are very carefully defined. This, however, is a question for the future. For the present, the progress made is the resolve that the supreme control of the Army shall be regulated as the supreme control of the Navy already is.
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