HC Deb 14 November 1916 vol 87 cc564-5
25. Mr. ASHLEY

asked why British newspapers are forbidden to publish pictures of the famous tanks, in view of the fact that photographs of these engines of warfare have already appeared in the "New York Times," the "New York Tribune," the "New York World," and other Canadian and American newspapers?

Mr. FORSTER

The question of releasing for publication representations of these engines of warfare is now under the consideration of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Armies in France.

Mr. ASHLEY

As we are not allowed to see these photographs, can the hon. Gentleman say why the military censor passed these photographs for transmission to America?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not know that the military censor has passed them.

Mr. ASHLEY

Then may I ask, if the military censor did not pass them, why we should not see them, seeing that the Germans must have furnished the photographs to the Americans?

Mr. FORSTER

As I told my hon. Friend, it is a matter for the Commander-in-Chief in France to settle. He is now considering it.

Mr. HOGGE

If the Germans and the Americans have seen them, why cannot we?