§ 52 and 53. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister (1) what provisions are operative for securing a unified Allied military command: is there an Allied General Staff; if so, is it located in France, who are its members, and does it control and direct operations in all the spheres of land and sea warfare; (2) whether, as a result of recent events and conferences, any change has been made in the methods by which the military efforts of all the Allies are unified and controlled; and whether he will 27 indicate the person or persons who have responsibility for the supreme military command?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWith a view to the better co-ordination of military action, a War Council has been constituted composed of the Prime Minister and a member of the Governments of France, Italy, and Great Britain. The Council will meet normally at Versailles not less than once a month, but may meet oftener and at other places as may from time to time be arranged. The adhesion to other Great Powers to the War Council is under discussion.
Each Power appoints one permanent military representative as an adviser to the War Council. These representatives will be independent of the General Staffs of their countries, and will have no executive functions, but will advise the War Council on all questions affecting the co-ordination of Allied strategy. The General Staffs and Military Commands of the Armies of each Power charged with the conduct of military operations remain responsible to their respective Governments. The military representatives and their Staffs will be in permanent session at Versailles. The representatives already appointed are as follows:
For Great Britain: General Sir Henry Wilson.
For France: General Foch.
For Italy: I cannot yet give the name of the Italian representative.
§ Mr. KINGAre we to understand that it is not proposed that this Council shall meet more frequently than once a month? May I also ask whether an invitation has been sent to the other Great Powers, or whether the question is only under consideration as to whether or not they are to be invited?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already said, in my answer, that the Council will meet more frequently if more frequent meetings are required. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to what I have said.
§ Colonel C. LOWTHERWill there be any representative from the United States of America?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOf course, it is hoped that the United States of America will form part of this Council. I have 28 nothing to add on this part of the subjects except to say that it is now under discussion.
§ Mr. HOGGEIn what relation will Sir William Robertson and Sir Douglas Haig stand to Sir Henry Wilson?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will read my answer—it is perfectly plain?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will wait till he has read my answer?
§ Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether naval as well as military operations will come under review—I do not think he made that quite clear?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI did not deal with it at all!
§ Mr. BONAR LAWBut all operations connected with the War will be considered by the Council. There has, so far, been no naval council formed; it is purely military.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it proposed to have a naval representative on this Council?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI venture to suggest to the House that the utility of this body will not be increased by discussion in this House.
§ 64. Mr. WATTasked the Prime Minister whether American military experts have indicated to the War Office or to the War Cabinet that, in their view, the Italian retirement would not have been necessary if one supreme military authority had directed the combined operations of the Allies; and whether it is now proposed to work by means of an inter-Allied staff?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have given to Question No. 53 to-day by the hon. Member for North Somerset.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERT(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the duties of General Sir Henry Wilson, as a member of the Supreme 29 Political Council of the Allies for the whole of the Western Front, will be defined by Order in Council, and whether this appointment will in any degree impinge on the authority of the present Chief of the Staff, Sir William Robertson?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIn answer to the first part of the question, the manner of formally constituting the position of General Wilson and his staff is under consideration. I have already answered the second part of the question in reply to a question by the hon. Member for North Somerset.
§ Mr. TENNANTWill the right hon. Gentleman read his answer again? [Hon. MEMBERS: "No !"] Some of us did not hear it.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us who will be responsible for strategy as against policy? I take it that the new Council will be responsible for policy, but who will be responsible for strategy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is precisely one of the points dealt with in my answer. The new Allied Staff is advisory, and the responsibility for the action of our forces will, as hitherto, leave the responsibility in our case in this country, and we shall be advised by our own Chief of the Staff.
§ Mr. P. A. HARRISAfter a decision has been arrived at will the Prime Minister make a statement to this House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSo far as I can see, there is no statement which can be made beyond the answer I have already given.
§ Mr. BILLINGTo whom will General Haig report for instructions?