45. Major DAVIESasked the Prime Minister the nature of the inquiry in connection with the military operations at Cambrai, the composition of the Court, and whether its findings were reported direct to the War Cabinet or were subject to the revision of the Secretary of State for War or the Army Council?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the Ex-CHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North-West Lanarkshire on the 15th of January, except 667 to say that all the documents in connection with the inquiry were submitted to the War Cabinet. General Smuts, at their request, went through them, and his Report, which was approved by the Cabinet, was not subject to revision by Lord Derby or by any member of the Army Council. It therefore follows that the decision in connection with the publication of the results of this inquiry was taken by the War Cabinet, who are responsible for it.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very great deal of dissatisfaction is being expressed outside this House as to the withholding of the result of this inquiry from the public?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware of that fact to a certain extent; but, as I stated in answer to a question previously, after carefully considering it, the War Cabinet have come to the conclusion that it is not in the public interest to give more information than has been given.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill the dispatch from the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief describing the events at Cambrai be published?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have no doubt that it will, but that point has not been considered, and I cannot say.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent the truth being told by soldiers who return on leave from Cambrai?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf the hon. Gentleman is judging by representations similar to those which reach me, it is not always the truth which is being told.