HC Deb 11 May 1916 vol 82 cc913-4
46. Mr. BILLING

asked whether there exists in the records of the War Office any protest from General Townshend, either to the War Office or his superior command, against the futility of the advance upon Bagdad with less than an Army Corps of two divisions; and whether the Papers promised in connection with the Mesopotamian campaign will include all letters or memoranda from General Townshend dealing specifically with this matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

As some time must elapse before the Papers dealing with the expedition as a whole can be laid, it is proposed to lay Papers dealing with this special point separately, and, I hope, very soon.

Mr. BILLING

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a copy of a certain weekly paper called "John Bull" in which is published what purports to be the textual communication from General Townshend, in which he states—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of this question, which does not arise.