53. Sir H. DALZIELasked the Prime Minister whether he can see his way to 528 inform the House of the reason for the delay in the publication of the Dardanelles Papers, in regard to which a definite pledge has been given to the House; whether the Papers in question were fully examined before such pledge was given and all necessary authorities consulted; and whether he can now undertake that the publication will take place before the House adjourns for the summer Recess?
§ 62. Sir E. CARSONasked how soon the Papers relating to the operations in the Dardanelles, promised by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, will be published?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Prime Minister will make a full statement on this matter and the Mesopotamian question on Tuesday next.
§ Sir E. CARSONWill the House have an opportunity of discussing the statement? What we really want is opportunity for discussion in the House, and we never get it.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI shall put the representations of my right hon. Friend to the Prime Minister, and I am quite sure that if the House desire to discuss the statement they will get an opportunity of doing so.
Sir H. DALZIELIs the right hon. Gentleman's position exactly the same as it was six weeks ago when he said that the Dardanelles Papers could now be published with perfect security to the public interest, as the book was now closed?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSo far as I know, my position is exactly the same as it was then.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThen we may take it that Papers are to be published?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf I could give that answer it would not be necessary to postpone the statement till Tuesday.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre we to understand that Papers cannot be published? [HON. MEMBERS: "Wait and see!"]
§ Mr. BUTCHERAre we to have any Papers relating to Mesopotamia before the Prime Minister makes his statement?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is in regard to these Papers that the Prime Minister has said he will make his statement on Tuesday.