§ 14. Mr. PRINGLEasked the Prime Minister whether he. is able to state the result of the Inquiry into the incident at Cambrai?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Inquiry held by Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig into the events of 30th November on the Cambrai Front has been received. This Inquiry was instituted by Sir Douglas Haig before instructions to hold an Inquiry were received by him from the War Office. A large number of documents relative to the Inquiry have been received from him, and these, together with Sir Douglas Haigs Report, have been examined by a Committee of the Imperial General Staff presided over by Sir William Robertson. The whole of the documents relating to the case, together with the Report of the Imperial General Staff, have been examined by a Committee of the War Cabinet and subsequently by the War Cabinet. As the result of this examination, the War Cabinet are of opinion that. the Higher Command was not surprised by the attack of the 30th November, and that all proper and adequate dispositions had been made to meet it. They consider it highly detrimental to the public interest to have a public discussion of the breakdown which undoubtedly occurred, and are satisfied that all proper measures have been taken to deal with similar situations in future.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer which have given makes it perfectly plain that, in the opinion of the War Cabinet, the Higher Command was not to blame in connection with the occurrence.
§ Mr. HOGGEI am quite willing to accept my right hon. Friend's statement, but cars he assure the House definitely that no disciplinary steps at all have been taken with regard to anybody in command during this operation?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer which I have givers expresses the view that nothing can be gained by any discussion.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman take this opportunity of dispelling the rumour that Sir Douglas Haig is being relieved of his command in France?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is quite unnecessary.