§ 79. Mr. LYNCHasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to a statement by Sir John Jellicoe on 24th October that there was no need for anxiety, as the War was almost won; and whether, in view of the quality of judgment which such an utterance indicates, and in consideration of the vital nature of the operations under Sir John Jellicoe's control, he will consider the question of the immediate retirement of that officer?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy right hon. Friend the First Lord has read the speech made by Sir John Jellicoe at Sheffield on the 24th October, and he has also read the report of the speech made by the hon. Member in this House on Tuesday, the 6th November, in the course of the Debate on the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill. My right hon. Friend wishes to point out that both in this question and in his recent speech in this House the hon. Member for West Clare has misquoted—and thereby misrepresented—what Sir John Jellicoe actually did say.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis is the statement in the House. Sir John Jellicoe as recently as the 24th of October last said: "There is no need for anxiety. The War is almost at an end." What he said was (I am quoting from the "Sheffield Daily Telegraph"): "There should be no reason for anxiety as to the result of the enemy's campaign, provided always that we exercise the strictest economy."