We have reduced the number of the Board by half, those who have resigned, with certain exceptions, having done so by ballot.

We have decided that instead of holding our meetings at the War Office they shall take place down here at the Duke's house, and so far as possible secretly.

Then, as regards the secretaryship.

No shadow of suspicion rests upon Lord Ronald any more than upon his predecessors, but, as you may have read in the newspapers, he has temporarily lost his reason owing to the shock, and has been obliged to go to a private home.

We have decided to engage some one absolutely without political connexions, and whose detachment from political life must be complete.