At the present time the issues are open and decisions have been taken governing the policy of the Admiralty with regard to France for the next two years. Having regard to the great changes necessary at the beginning of the year, I decided after careful consideration and discussion with Mr. Asquith and the rest of my colleagues, that it was better in the interests of the public. service and of the Navy that the changes should occur now $0 as to give the new mon a free hand to decide issues which otherwise would have been stereotyped and over which they would have little effective control. No difference of any kind, personal or public, has arisen. No question of policy has arisen."
THE NEW LORDS, Mr. Charebill, in paying a tribute to the new Lords, mentioned that Cupt. W. C. Pakenham, c.z., bad the rare distinction of having been on Admiral Togo's flagship throughout the Russo-Japanese War and of having been present at the battle of Teushima, He thought that the appointments would commend themselves to the whole Navy.
The best judges in naval matters hoped much of the fature of Rear-Admiral Sir John R. Jellicoe, x.c. v.o. He hoped that the House would believe that the distribution of commands in the fleet was undertaken for no other reason than to secure the best service for the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.