Mr. Asquith explained that the intention of the Govern- ment
had been the innocent one of moving troops to places where military stores and ammunition were not properly pro- tected. The very dispersion of the troops which had been moved proved that no strategical plan had been in contem- plation. Brigadier-General Gough and the Colonels con- cerned had willingly returned to their duties when the nature of what was expected of them bad been explained by the Army Council. Mr. Balfour vigorously ridiculed the Government's statements. The Prime Minister utterly mis- understood the situation produced by an insane policy. His words were irreconcilable with the recent speeches of Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Churchill. How, if the troops were required merely to perform routine duties, could he explain the condition about an officer being domiciled in Ulster ? How could he explain General Gough's resignation ? How explain the immediate appointment of a successor ? The truth obviously was that General Gough and the officers bad been reinstated, although they still said that they would not fight against Ulster.
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