HC Deb 28 June 1916 vol 83 cc836-7
45. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Prime-Minister whether he is aware that the late Lord Kitchener, on 31st October, 1914, had an interview at his request with Brigadier-General Owen Thomas, the Minister of Munitions also being present, when a pledge was given to the brigadier that in consideration of his agreeing to raise a North Wales Brigade the appointment of all officers should be in his hands, it being understood that Welsh-speaking officers should, where possible, be appointed; that Lord Kitchener further authorised the brigadier to give this pledge to the Welsh, people; whether the brigadier, despite this pledge, has now been superseded by a. Scotsman, a Territorial colonel, who was formerly a lieutenant in the Regular Army; and will he, in view of this pledge, give the matter his consideration?

53. Sir H. ROBERTS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the representations made from all quarters in Wales with reference to the value of the services rendered by Brigadier-General Owen Thomas in connection with the raising and training of the Welsh Army; and whether, in view of the change which has taken place in the command at Kinmel Camp, he is able to give an assurance that General Owen Thomas' services will be continued in a position of equal responsibility within the Principality?

Mr. TENNANT

My right hon Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer these questions. I cannot find that there is any record in the War Office of any such undertaking as that mentioned. On the representation of the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Home Forces, and in the interests of efficiency, Brigadier-General Owen Thomas was relieved of his command and replaced by another officer. The services of this officer will, I understand, be utilised in an administrative military capacity in Wales.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Has my right hon. Friend not made inquiries from the Minister of Munitions who was present when the interview took place, and is not that the only record which he could officially refer to?

Mr. TENNANT

I only became aware of this question this morning, and I have not had time to consult my right hon. Friend.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Is it not a fact that twenty of these officers who speak Welsh have been relieved of their command?

Mr. PRINGLE

Will not all this be put right at the end of the week when the Minister of Munitions becomes Secretary for War?