HC Deb 28 June 1916 vol 83 cc840-1
69. Sir H. ELVERSTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether careful inquiries are made as to the civil character, credentials, and financial status of persons engaged by the Quartermaster-General for services in the War Office; whether reliable recent civil references are taken prior to appointments being made; and, if so, whether he will state what persons or corporations gave references as to the civil character and previous civil occupation in respect to a temporary officer of the Army Service Corps, gazetted as lieutenant in May, 1915, whose initials, according to the Army List, are now H. M. R., but were previously H. A. M. R., and who appears to be engaged in the Director of Quarterings Department at the War Office?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir, the obvious steps mentioned in the question are taken. In the case my hon. Friend has in mind two persons of standing testified to the character of the gentleman in question.

73. Sir H. DALZIEL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many persons of German extraction are employed at the War Office in the Intelligence Department?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know how far back my right hon. Friend contemplates that I should go.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Take the present time, if you like.

Mr. TENNANT

On the assumption that he is referring to two generations, the answer to this question is two.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Does my right hon. Friend deny that a gentleman of German extraction, speaking broken English, is now employed in the Intelligence Department at the War Office?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not happen to be acquainted with him, and therefore I cannot say. I have said that there are two.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that at the present time a gentleman of German extraction should be employed in the Intelligence Department, have access to the most confidential information, and have the opportunity of seeing it very often before the Secretary of State for War?

Mr. TENNANT

The gentlemen I have in contemplation are both the sons of naturalised British subjects, who were naturalised before the birth of the persons concerned. One of them is a member of this House. One of them had a maternal grandfather who was a German.

Mr. PRINGLE

Would this embargo as to persons of German extraction not apply to people of much more exalted position?