ire. A division has already left for Egypt, a brigade
for Malta, and a garrison for Gibraltar. The soldierlike qualities
evinced by the force are an assurance to the Government that they may
count to the full upon its readiness to play its part wherever the
exigencies of the military situation may demand. Nor must I omit to
refer to the assistance which we shall receive from the division of the
gallant royal marines and bluejackets now being organized by my right
honorable friend the First Lord of the Admiralty; their presence in the
field will be very welcome, for their fighting qualities are well known.

The Supply of Officers.

The creation of the new armies referred to is fraught with considerable
difficulties, one of which is the provision of regimental officers. I
hope the problem of supplying officers may be solved by the large
numbers coming forward to fill vacancies, and by promotions from the
non-commissioned officer ranks of the regular forces. In a country which
prides itself on its skill in and love of outdoor sports, we ought to be
able to find sufficient young men who will train and qualify as officers
under the guidance of the nucleus of trained officers which we are able
to provide from India and elsewhere. If any retired officer competent to
train troops has not yet applied or has not received an answer to a
previous application, I hope he will communicate with me at the War
Office in writing. But our chief difficulty is one of material rather
than personnel. It would not be in the public interest that I should
refer in greater detail to this question, beyond saying that strenuous
endeavors are being made to cope with the unprecedented situation, and
that, thanks to the public spirit of all grades in the various
industries affected to whom we have appealed to co-operate with us, and
who are devoting all their energy to the task, our requirements will, I
feel sure, be met with all possible speed.

I am confident that by the Spring we shall have ready to take the field
armies which will be well trained and will prove themselves formidable
opponents to the enemy. The Government fully recognize the fine spirit
which animates those who have come forward to fight for their country,
and will spare no effort to secure that everything is done that can be
done to enable them worthily to contribute to the ultimate success of
our arms. [Cheers.]

The Secretary of State for War concluded his speech by giving det