The nation feels that it is being kept in the dark, and all the military information that it gets is discouraging.

Sir Edward Grey, as philosophic and enduring a man as I know, seems much more depressed than I have ever known him to be; Bryce is very very far from cheerful; Plunkett[20], whom also you know, is in the dumps--it's hard to find a cheerful or a hopeful man.
The secrecy of official life has become so great and successful that prophecy of political changes must be mere guess work.

But, unless good news come from the Dardanelles in particular, I have a feeling that Asquith may resign--be forced out by the gradual pressure of public opinion; that Lloyd George will become Prime Minister, and that (probably) Sir Edward Grey may resign.

Yet I cannot take the prevailing military discouragement at its face value.

The last half million men and the last million pounds will decide the contest, and the Allies will have these.