Mr. Asquith's account of the organization and action of the
War Council was most interesting, and clears up a good many obscure points. Specially powerful was his treatment of the experts problem. In our opinion, it very largely disposes of the allegation that the experts did not know they were expected to speak, while the statesmen felt sure that they would speak if they objected to the course of action decided on. Here are his actual words :— " They [the experts] were there—that was the reason and the only reason for their being there—to give the lay members the benefit of their advice. For what other purpose were they summoned ? I have sat, mostly as Chairman, for ten years on the Committee of Imperial Defence. We had there as expert advisers—exactly the same position—all the most distinguished soldiers and sailors during that time, including Lord Fisher, Sir Arthur Wilson, and the gallant Field-Marshal Lord Nicholson, who is one of the signatories of this Report. I am borne out by the evidence of all my political and civilian colleagues, including the present Prime Minister, when I say I have never known them show the least reluctance to give their opinion, invited or uninvited."
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