§ 52. Sir GEORGE TOULMINasked what arrangements have been made for the publication of an Official History of the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn view of the demand which is likely to arise, and the desirability of providing the public with an authentic account, it has been decided to prepare for publication as soon as possible after the close of the War an Interim Official History dealing with its various aspects. This History will be based on the material which is being collected and arranged by the Historical Section of the Committee of Imperial Defence for an eventual Staff History.
The work will be in three sections, which will deal, respectively, with the Naval and Military Operations and the General Effects of the War on Sea-borne Trade.
The Naval Section has been entrusted to Mr. Julian Corbett, and the Military Section to Mr. John Fortescue, while for the Trade Section the Trustees of the Garton Foundation have kindly placed their staff at the disposal of the Historical Section.
The sections will be published separately, but prepared in concert. The work is already well advanced.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say if photographs have been taken at the various fronts to incorporate in the history, just as the French Government are doing with their national history?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPhotographs have been taken, but I cannot say whether they will be incorporated.
§ Colonel YATEWill there be a separate section recounting the doings of the Indian Army?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will consider that.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the Report be published in volume.
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.