HC Deb 02 July 1917 vol 95 cc730-1
72. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can give the House any explanation of the retirement of Allied troops over the Struma; and whether he can indicate, even in its general scope, the purpose of the Salonika Expedition?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)

Our troops east of the Struma have been withdrawn to the foothills on the western bank, owing to the insanitary conditions prevailing in the river valley during the malarial season. The last part of the question is one of high policy, and should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. LYNCH

Has my hon. Friend considered this point, that the Government may be drifting into a disaster comparable to Gallipoli and the Dardanelles; and is it not better that all questions should be looked into beforehand instead of afterwards, when it is too late?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is making a statement of an argumentative character.