§ 49. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether the British Commander-in-Chief has the power of appointing or removing generals in command of the various British Armies on the Western Front; whether such appointments are submitted to or approved by the War Cabinet; whether General Gough was appointed to command the Fifth Army by Field-Marshal Haig; whether his appointment received the direct approval of the War Cabinet or of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff; whether General Foch, as General issimo on the Western Front, has now the power to appoint or remove generals commanding the British Armies; and, if so, whether that power has been exercised?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have been asked to answer this question. The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief in France has power to appoint and, subject to the confirmation of the Army Council, to remove general officers up to and including the appointment of divisional commanders. For appointments higher than that of divisional commander the sanction of the Army Council must be obtained in every case. General Gough's appointment was approved by the Army Council. As regards the last part of the question, General Foch has no power over the appointment or removal from office of any British officer.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWe have never said that there is complete unity of command, but we have taken the precaution that the British soldier will be treated in accordance with the British Army Act and British discipline.