§ 46. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether the statement by Field-Marshal Viscount French that the successful attack by the. Austrians and Germans on the Italian positions was the greatest surprise of all is endorsed by the War Cabinet; and, if so, whether it is intended to make radical changes at once in the administration of the War Office at Whitehall, beginning with the highest ranks, and dealing particularly with the organisers of the Intelligence Department?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I have not 380 seen the statement referred to in the first part of the question. The answer to the last part is in the negative.
§ Mr. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the statement? Does he not agree that speeches of this kind are extraordinarily disquieting?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy time for reading speeches is much limited. I have not even read all the speeches of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the Government appeal to all senior naval and military commanders to be more careful in the rash and foolish statements which they make?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid I cannot take the hon. Member's opinion as to the rashness of a speech.
§ 47. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether any adequate system had been organised so that the Intelligence Department of the War Office should be kept aware as far as possible of the march of events in regard to a possible attack by the Austrians and Germans on the Italian Front; if so, whether that Department made clear to the War Cabinet the realities of the situation; if so, why no measures sufficient to obviate the danger were provided; and whether he will proceed to appropriate sanctions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, as far as the British Government is concerned, all possible assistance has been and will be given
§ 48. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether the War Cabinet had ever received any communication, directly or indirectly, from General Cadorna indicating his apprehension of an attack upon his positions with forces beyond his power of resistance, and asking for help; and, if so, why no adequate steps were taken to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman say what authority he has for 381 stating that no word came from General Cadorna indicating his apprehension of an attack?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have given the most distinct and definite answer to that question.