In this debate Mr. Pemberton Billing played a characteristic part,
but we shall not trouble our readers with a precis of his re- marks, nor shall we dwell upon Colonel Churchill's mischief-making intervention in the debate. We may note that Lord Curzon will have as his colleagues Major Baird, M.P. for Rugby, Lord Syden- hara—an excellent appointment—a member of the Board of Admir- alty and a member of the Army Council, and an additional naval and an additional military member. (General Smith-Dorrien, it was stated on Thursday afternoon, is to be a member of the Board in this capacity.) It was also stated that if the Admiralty or the War Office declined to act on the recommendations of the Board, the President shall be free to refer the question to the War Com- mittee. Apparently one of the main functions of the Board will be the organizing and co-ordinating of the supply of material, and the prevention of competition between the Admiralty and the War Office. Speaking generally, we have great confidence in Lord Curzon's power to assist the nation in handling the air problem. He is one of the greatest, most powerful, and most practical of administrators, and may be trusted to throw himself into his work with his accustomed energy. The objection that he is not a flying man is ridiculous.
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