They have now been embodied for two months, and I am
expressing the considered opinion of one of the most eminent Generals
when I say that the divisions now in camp in various parts of the
country, and improving every day in efficiency, have completely
justified their title to play any part that may be assigned to them,
either in home defense, in the manning of our garrisons, or in the
battle lines at the front. [Loud cheers.]
It is, then, no want of appreciation of the patriotism and of the
efficiency of the territorial forces that leads me to ask you tonight
for recruits for the regular army. We wish, so far as military
exigencies permit, that the new battalions and squadrons and batteries
should retain their local associations and their corporate and
distinctive national character. [Cheers.] Why, the freedom and the
autonomy of the smaller nationalities is one of the great issues of this
gigantic contest.
A Welsh Army Corps.
I went a week ago to Dublin to make an appeal to Ireland. I asked
Irishmen then, as I do now, on behalf of the Government and of the War
Office, to enlist in and to make up the complement of an Irish army
corps. I repeat that appeal tonight to the men of Wales. [Cheers.] We
want that.
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