§ 59. Sir R. COOPERasked the, Under-Secretary for War if a Major Blacker is engaged at the War Office; if so, in what position; is he of German descent; and is he aware that he has changed his name 1650 from Reichwald to Blacker within the last twelve months, and is closely related to a Reichwald who represents Krupp's in London?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe officer referred to is not, and has not been, engaged at the War Office.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs it not a fact that this officer appears in the Army List as a German interpreter under the name of Reichwald, and that in London he appears under another name; and is it not also the fact that his father was Krupp's manager in London, and did not General Joffre request that he should leave the French lines, as he considered it was not desirable that this officer, although perfectly innocent, should in war time have anything to do with the War?
§ Mr. TENNANTTwo points are raised by the hon. Member; one is whether this officer appears in one place in the Army List under one name and in another place under another name. I am informed that it is so, but I have not verified it. Whether General Joffre made any representations on the subject I am unable to say. This officer is now at home.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it not the fact that this gentleman, who is so closely related to Krupp's representative in London, is still in the Army in some form or other?
§ Mr. TENNANTI believe that is quite true.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it desirable that officers of German extraction should be serving either in France or in England in any capacity?
§ Mr. TENNANTOf course, I appreciate it is desirable that persons to whom any suspicion attaches should not be employed in the British Army. I am informed that no suspicion whatever attaches to this, gentleman.