HC Deb 29 April 1918 vol 105 cc1268-70
8. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to certain articles which have recently appeared in the Press, written by Mr. George Young, and containing criticisms on the Diplo- matic Service and the Foreign Office; whether Mr. Young is still a member of that service; and, if not, in what circumstances he retired?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)

Yes, Sir; my attention has been called to these malicious articles. Mr. George Young was first secretary in the Diplomatic Service at Lisbon when war broke out. He did not retire. He deliberately refused to remain at his post, in spite of the express instructions of the then Secretary of State that he should do so. In view of this grave dereliction of duty in. war-time, the Secretary of State decided that he could not accept Mr. Young's offer of resignation, and caused him to be informed that his services were no longer required.

Mr. NOEL BUXTON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will lay on the Table the dispatch of His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon recommending Mr. Young's application for more active employment or leave to resign in order to go on active service; and whether the Foreign Office could make any statement as to the value of the services of Mr. Young in connection with the Foreign Office as recognised personally by himself and also officially?

Mr. BALFOUR

I do not think it would be worth while laying it on the Table of the House. I have stated to the House the considerations which induced my predecessor in office to take the course he did. He did not take that course, I am quite sure, without very grave consideration.

Mr. KING

Is the right horn. Gentleman aware that Mr. George Young is a member of the Victorian Order?

Mr. HOLT

May I ask whether Mr. Young is at the present time being employed by any Government Department?

Mr. BALFOUR

No.

Mr. WHYTE

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, would it not be fair to this officer that the circumstances in which he left the service should be made public in full?

Mr. BALFOUR

I have made them public in full in the answer I have just given.

Mr. WHYTE

Is it not a fact that this officer holds a very distinguished record, and that his services during the War should receive greater recognition than is implied in the right hon. Gentleman's answer?

Mr. BALFOUR

I have stated the circumstances as far as I am aware of them.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman be ready to give us more information on this subject when we have the Foreign Office Vote?

Mr. BALFOUR

Of course, when the Foreign Office Vote comes on, if there be time it is in the power of any hon. Gentleman to put any question he likes. I cannot say what answer I shall give until I hear the question.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that, at least, this gentleman is not suffering from hallucinations?