Colonel Seely asked to be excused from dealing with the
Mediterranean garrisons because the Prime Minister was to make a full statement on the strategical aspect of the subject in ten days' time. He went on to point out that, as far as the danger of invasion went, the situation was more favourable than three or four years ago.. In the first place the difficulty was now greater because there had been so great a development in the efficiency and scope of sub- marines. Also there could now be reconnoitring from flying machines by means of which the range of vision had been increased to an almost incredible degree. It was now not conceivable that a large enemy's force could make a sudden landing on these shores on the outbreak of war. Re further submitted that the numbers of the Territorial Force . were not inadequate. The speech closed with some interesting'`' reflections as to the amount of training required to make serviceable troops. The Secretary of State urged the House not to adopt an attitude of contempt for short-trained men if they wanted the co-operation of the Dominions, In the end the formal amendment to reduce the vote by £100 was negatived, but only by the small majority of 46 (236-190).
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