HC Deb 14 February 1917 vol 90 cc615-6
38. Mr. R. MCNEILL

asked the Under-Secretary for War, having regard to the fact that the conduct of Captain Stomm and Lieutenant Somerset has been a matter of complaint in relation to "heir dealings with Sir Theodore Cook and Mr. Blanch, whether the terms of reference to the promised Court of Inquiry will be so framed as to allow full investigation of the conduct of these officers?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes, Sir. But it is well to point out now, in fairness to these officers, that their conduct is not by any means the most important part of the Inquiry.

Mr. MCNEILL

Will the scope of the inquiry include their conduct?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Yes.

39. Mr. McNEILL

asked whether the promised court of inquiry into the circumstances of the raid on Sir Theodore Cook's premises will be constituted under the Army Act Amendment Act, 1916; whether the inquiry will be held in public; whether the court will be given power to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents and to take evidence on oath; and whether the parties interested will be represented by counsel?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I hope to make a full statement on this matter to-morrow?

40. Mr. McNEILL

asked how soon the promised court of inquiry will be set up to investigate the circumstances of the police raid on the premises of Sir Theodore Cook; and if in the meantime Mr. Blanch, whose presence in France has been requested by the French Government, will be allowed to proceed immediately to Paris on his giving an undertaking to return to attend the inquiry?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Mr. Blanch will be permitted to proceed to Paris if and when the French Government officially request his presence in France, on giving a substantial undertaking that he will return to this country to attend the inquiry, and any further proceedings that may follow it. I may add that no such request has yet been received from the French Government.

Mr. McNEILL

Will a request be accepted from the French Government, even if it does not come from Captain Stomm?

Mr. MACPHERSON

If a request comes to us in an authentic form from the French Government, it does not matter through which channel it comes, we will accept it.

Mr. McNEILL

Is my hon. Friend aware of the fact that this gentleman came from Paris in December last and carried with him a permit from the War Office in France, requiring him to return to Paris in the early days of January?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The hon. Member must realise that I cannot answer that without notice.

Mr. HEMMERDE

Will Mr. Blanch be allowed to communicate with Paris? Is it not a fact that at present all his letters are being held up?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I cannot say that without I have notice of the question. If the hon. Member will put down the question I will inquire