HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1881-2
39. Mr. BOOTH

asked the Under-Secretary for War if General Howell is at Salonika; whether he is the same person who issued a memorandum, dated 12th October, 1915, called" Notes on the Balkans "; whether his advocacy of the desertion of Serbia and the description of our failures in the Dardanelles and the Balkans was authorised by the War Office; and if any disciplinary action was taken in the matter?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir, General Howell is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, at Salonika. I have not seen the memorandum in question, but I believe a confidential note expressing General Howell's personal views was privately circulated. It had no official authority and no disciplinary action is necessary.

Mr. BOOTH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at whose expense this memorandum was printed and to whom it was issued, bearing in mind that this general was on active service at the time he wrote it?

Mr. TENNANT

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. BOOTH

Is the right hon. Gentleman not familiar with this document?

Mr. TENNANT

I have given my hon. Friend what information I have.