HC Deb 15 February 1917 vol 90 cc808-9
Commander WEDGWOOD

(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been drawn to an interview reported in the Press, purporting to be between General Sir Douglas Haig and some French journalists; whether the interview was held, and is correctly reported; whether such an interview was authorised or approved by His Majesty's Government, and if not, what steps he proposes to take?

Mr. DILLON

Before my hon. Friend answers that question, may I ask whether his attention has been directed to the fact that the reports of the interview in the newspapers differ materially, and, in view of the unprecedented character of the interview and the great public interest which attaches to it, will the Government circulate in the form of a Parliamentary Paper an authorised official report of the interview?

Mr. MACPHERSON

With regard to the first part of the question of my hon. Friend which has just been asked, I have seen various reports of the interview, and in reply to the second part it is entirely a question for the Leader of the House and the Government.

In reply to the question of my hon. Friend, of which I have received private notice, I have seen what purports to be a report of this interview. An interview was given, but particulars of the circumstances and exactly what passed have not been communicated to me. Inquiry has been made.

Mr. DILLON

Will the Leader of the House take into consideration the suggestion which I have made—that some authentic report of the interview which has taken place should be circulated to the public and to the House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We have already taken steps to find out from the Commander-in-Chief exactly what happened. Until we receive that information I do not think that it is desirable to say anything more upon the subject.

Commander WEDGWOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that before sending our troops forward to the trenches we in this country ought not to under-estimate the task in front of them?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think that the House will consider it wise to pursue this question.