§ 11. Sir JOHN BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the decision of the Government as to the issue of a special decoration to those who have been mentioned in dispatches during the present War?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is in contemplation to distinguish those who have been mentioned in dispatches in the War by giving them permission to wear a small oak leaf on the ribbon of the Victory medal. That is under consideration, but I am not at this moment able to give a final answer.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhat will be done fur those who have had the good luck to be mentioned twice in dispatches?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is one of those arguments which causes us to hesitate in taking the decision to which I have referred.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERCan the right hon. Gentleman before long pronounce a definite conclusion?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere are some 70,000 or 80,000 persons concerned, and it would be very desirable to come to a decision quickly.
§ Mr. BILLINGIf the right hon. Gentleman does not see his way clear to grant the oak leaf will the War Office cause a letter of appreciation to be sent which those men could keep?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe are considering the whole matter.