§ 46. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the practice followed in Departments, other than the India Office, of sending information of a vital nature as private telegrams or epistolary correspondence, and that this practice is followed in connection with foreign affairs; whether, in particular, he has noticed the letter sent by Lord Hardinge, Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office, dated 21st July, 1916, and addressed to Sir George Buchanan at Petrograd; and whether Lord Hardinge will be cautioned against the writing of such letters?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative.
§ Mr. KINGIn view of the fact that Lord Hardinge has special facilities for writing, 2098 having his letters free from censorship, will some steps be taken to prevent him committing extra gross indiscretions?