Such productions as the first leading article in to-day’s _Times_, showing the infinite possibilities for misunderstanding and misrepresentation of such an arrangement as we considered yesterday, make me at least doubtful as to its feasibility. Unless the impression is at once corrected that I am being relegated to the position of an irresponsible spectator of the war, I cannot possibly go on. The suggested arrangement was to the following effect. The Prime Minister to have supreme and effective control of War Policy. The agenda of the War Committee will be submitted to him; its Chairman will report to him daily; he can direct it to consider particular topics or proposals; and all its conclusions will be subject to his approval or veto. He can, of course, at his own discretion attend meetings of the Committee. Yours sincerely, (Sd.) H. H. ASQUITH. WAR OFFICE, WHITEHALL, S.W. _December 4th, 1916._ MY DEAR PRIME MINISTER, I have not seen the _Times’_ article. But I hope you will not attach undue importance to these effusions. I have had these misrepresentations to put up with for months. Northcliffe frankly wants a smash. Derby and I do not. Northcliffe would like to make this and any other rearrangement under your Premiership impossible. Derby and I attach great importance to your retaining your present position—effectively. I cannot restrain, or, I fear, influence Northcliffe. I fully accept in letter and in spirit your summary of the suggested arrangement—subject, of course, to personnel. Ever sincerely, (Sd.) D. LLOYD GEORGE. 10 DOWNING STREET, WHITEHALL, S.W. _December 4th, 1916_ _Secret_ MY DEAR LLOYD GEORGE, Thank you for your letter of this morning. The King gave me to-day authority to ask and accept the resignation of all my colleagues, and to form a new Government on such lines as I should submit to him. I start therefore with a clean slate. The first question which I have to consider is the constitution of the new War Committee.