§ 12. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether unity of command has been obtained on the Western Front in the sense that there has been appointed a generalissimo to direct the main military operations, and that orders emanating from him are executed by officers of all the forces, irrespective of nationality; if so, whether the name of the generalissimo can be given; if not, whether any further steps will be taken to secure unity of command?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.
§ Mr. LYNCHDoes this almost incredible answer emanate from the right hon. Gentleman personally or from the War Cabinet?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt emanates both from the War Cabinet and from myself.
§ Mr. LYNCHDoes not the War Cabinet recognise that unity of command is absolutely essential to it, and that in default of it defeat stares us in the face?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is raising a controversial question.
§ Mr. LYNCHI give notice that I will raise this matter to-morrow night in conjunction with the other point.
§ 13. Mr. LYNCHasked whether unity of command has been obtained on the Italian Front, in the sense that there has been appointed a generalissimo to direct the main military operations, and that orders emanating from him are executed by officers of all the forces, irrespective of nationality; if so, whether the name of the generalissimo can be given; and, if not, whether any further steps will be taken to secure unity of command?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.