§ 28. Mr. BROOKESasked who is in command of the British forces in Mesopotamia; and whether these are now thoroughly fitted out for all eventualities?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMajor-General (temporary lieutenant-general) F. S. Maude, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., is in command of the Mesopotamian Expeditionary-Force. No effort has been spared to equip this force in a satisfactory manner.
§ 31. Sir A. WILLIAMSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say in how many cases the Victoria Cross has been conferred on officers or men for services in Mesopotamia; and in how many cases has service there been rewarded by the following honours, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, or other decorations?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. Friend's question suggests a basis for the distribution of the honour of the Victoria Cross on which, if he will allow me to say so, it is hardly possible to act. This may not be equally true of the other distinctions 1446 mentioned, in regard to which I can say—although I cannot give him the figures for which he asks—that the consideration he has in mind is not lost sight of.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIs the scale of honours in Mesopotamia as liberal as in France, and will further consideration be given to the matter?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy impression is that the scale of honours is as liberal in Mesopotamia as it is in France. Of course, the proportion of troops is not the same.