§ Mr. ASQUITH (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister, in reference to the statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the recent proceedings of the War Council at Versailles that the "functions of the Council itself were enlarged," whether he will inform the House in what respects, and to what extent, such enlargement has been sanctioned by His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe question of the nature of the public announcement to be made was carefully considered at the last meeting of the Supreme War Council at Versailles, and, in view of the important military considerations involved, it was not considered possible at present, without giving valuable information to the enemy, to publish further details or explanations in regard to the enlargement of the functions of the Supreme War Council. In these circumstances, I cannot at present make any further statement on the subject.
§ Mr. ASQUITHCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication how soon such a statement can be made?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe right hon. Gentleman will understand the difficulty when I say the Conference dealt almost 2104 exclusively with the plan of campaign, and it must be obvious that it is very difficult to give any information.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer I have given, admitting the accuracy of my right hon. Friend's quotation, shows that there has been an enlargement.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it the intention of the Prime Minister to address this House before Parliament prorogues?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir. I have discussed this fully with him. He can add nothing to what I have already said. The House will meet next week. There will be ample opportunity, and that will be the most suitable opportunity.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf the hon. Member means has a generalissimo been appointed, the answer is no.