HC Deb 27 November 1917 vol 99 cc1804-5
3. Colonel BURN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the dispatch by General Sir Archibald Murray, on relinquishing command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, has been received by the Government; and, if so, will it be published without further delay

Mr. MACPHERSON

This dispatch was published in the "London Gazette," of the 20th instant, and appeared in the newspapers on the following morning.

Colonel BURN

Can my hon. Friend say whether the dispatch which appeared in the newspapers recently was published exactly as it was sent by General Sir Archibald Murray?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I assume so. I will make further inquiries.

Mr. WATT

Can the hon. Gentleman say how he was in a position to write this Report, when he was many miles from the seat of war?

Mr. HOGGE

Does not the dispatch explain his promotion?

Colonel BURN

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman cannot make some statement which will protect this distinguished general from remarks made by hon. Gentlemen who base their statements on very imperfect knowledge?

Mr. MACPHERSON

My hon. and gallant Friend was abroad on his military duties on the several occasions I took the opportunity of stating how competent is this distinguished officer, Sir Archibald Murray, to fulfil the duties of the high command in which he is placed. That explains why I did not repeat the statement in my answer to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Colonel BURN

Thanks.