§ Mr. CHURCHILLI desire, by the leave of the House, to make a brief personal explanation. Yesterday, at Question Time, the hon. Member for Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) asked me a question as to what communications had passed between myself and Colonel Hogg, of the" 4th Hussars.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIf any?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is very unusual in this House for questions to be asked about the private correspondence of Ministers or Members, and I am sure any Member of this House, in whatever part he sits, would say that such a procedure would be greatly to be deprecated from every point of view. However, as the question has been asked, I have now obtained permission—but the hon. Member will not assume that I do not resent his gross personal intrusion on my private affairs—to read the communication. Before I could do so I had to communicate with Colonel Hogg, who sent me a personal and private telegram. Colonel Hogg telegraphed to me this morning in answer to my inquiries whether I might publish his telegram or not. He replied that he had no objection to the telegram being published, provided it is stated that it was sent with the knowledge of his general, General Gough, and that his general, General Gough, agreed to its being sent.
768 He wished to show that he acted fair and square by his commanding officer. I wish to make it absolutely clear that this is a private and personal telegram which reached me on the Saturday morning. Of course, these are old brother officers of mine. The telegram was:—
To Et. Hon. Winston Churchill.Personal. To-day all officers Cavalry Brigade required to decide whether prepared to accept liability active operations in Ulster on pain of dismissal. Enormous majority ready to accept dismissal, but later adopted proposal that authorities should be asked to define employment. Brigadier and great majority ready to undertake duties of preserving order and property, provided no initiative in offensive action against Ulster contemplated. Convinced, if tactfully handled, Brigade can be saved; but if unconditional service demanded from outset, Brigadier and practically all officers will accept dismissal. Appeal to you to ensure sensible handling.—HOGG.To that telegram I, of course, sent no reply. Now, Sir, I have stated the entire correspondence that passed, and it rests with the hon. Gentleman to state how and by what— [An HON. MEMBER: "Rubbish!"] It may be what the hon. Gentleman has in his mind. Anybody can shout out "Rubbish!" while a Debate is going on.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is for the hon. Gentleman to state how it came, and from what source and what persons he obtained information of this purely private and personal document.