HC Deb 19 October 1915 vol 74 cc1588-90
7. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statement made by the British Ambassador at Petrograd that the operations at the Dardanelles were initiated at the request of the Russian Government for the purpose of drawing Turkish forces from the Caucasus, he will state whether the Russian Government continues to attach the same importance to these operations which, up to 10th October, have resulted in 96,899 British casualties?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

It would obviously be improper for me to make any statement regarding the importance attached to any special theatre of war by one of our Allies or even by ourselves. The operations at the Dardanelles are military and naval operations, and the statement of the British Ambassador at Petrograd, which is quite accurate when quoted accurately, must not be taken as a complete statement of all the considerations involved.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Would it be possible for us to have a similar statement here to what was made to the people of Petrograd?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

I do not understand what the hon. Member wants.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Cannot the facts presented to the people of Petrograd as regards the initiation of the operations in the Dardanelles be presented to this House? Are we not entitled to as much information?

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Every Member of the House has, I believe, through the ordinary channels, the public Press, the whole statement made by the Ambassador. I do not myself think there is any advantage in reprinting that statement separately from the other Papers which, sooner or later, we shall no doubt have in connection with Russia.

Mr. KING

In future statements of this importance cannot they be given to this country as early as to Russia?

Mr. SPEAKER

I would remind the hon. Member that we have over 100 questions on the Paper.

11. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of casualties in the Dardanelles expedition?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

I gave the figures for the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, including the Naval Division, up to the 9th October on the 14th October, in answer to the hon. Member for Hanley.

58. Sir HENRY DALZIEL

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the interest in the Dardanelles operations both in this country and throughout Australia and New Zealand, he can hold out any hope that his promised statement on the subject will be made on an early date?

The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Lloyd George)

I am afraid that I cannot at present name a date.

59. Sir H. DALZIEL

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the number of casualties, including officers and men, invalided in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force up to date?

Mr. TENNANT

I understand my right hon. Friend desires me to give figures distinguishing the sick from the wounded. For reasons stated in the answer given by the Prime Minister on the 24th June I regret I cannot give these figures at the present time.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Are we to assume that the figures given two or three days ago, in reference to the casualties in the Dardanelles, include all the sick? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

Mr. TENNANT

No, I do not think so.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

May we not have the number?

Sir H. DALZIEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that we shall have a statement as to the number of officers and men who have been invalided?

Mr. TENNANT

It is not for me to say. It is very difficult to give any such figures, because the figures vary, and vary enormously, from day to day.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Would it not be perfectly possible to give the total number of officers and men removed from the Dardanelles owing to sickness?

Mr. TENNANT

I will go so far as to say this: I will endeavour to get some figures as nearly accurate as I can make them.