HC Deb 26 July 1918 vol 108 cc2158-60
9. Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Felix Cassel, K.C., has resigned or intimated his intention of resigning the position of Judge Advocate-General, to which he was appointed in 1916; and, if so, whether, regard being had to the fact that the Judge Advocate-General is the President of the Judicial Department of the Army and the sole representative of the Government in all military proceedings before general courts-martial, maintaining the interests of the Crown and prosecuting, either in person or by deputy, in the Sovereign's name, and that all matters arising out of the administration of martial law, including the examination of the sentences of courts-martial and the reporting thereon to the Crown, come under his supervision, the new occupant of the position of Judge Advocate-General will not, whatever may be his qualifications, be a person of enemy alien birth or origin?

The CHANCELLOR of the EX-CHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

Mr. MacNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that having a gentleman of alien origin and alien birth in full judicial command of the Army courts-martial is an insult to every soldier and officer in His Majesty's service?

Mr. KING

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that, will he take into consideration the fact that many of his political opponents have only increased regard for this gentleman in consequence of his most patriotic service and the admirable way in which he carries out his present duties?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As the House knows, the Committee appointed will deal with all such questions, and I think my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Donegal (Mr. MacNeill) will not have forgotten that the Judge Advocate-General, at so much beyond the age at which that is generally done, has served in the trenches in a junior capacity for a great many months during the War.

Mr. MacNEILL

May I say that I have no feeling of unkindness towards him—quite the contrary; but I do hold to the principle—once a German always a German.

Mr. BONAR LAW

If I may be allowed to say so, it is precisely to deal with questions of that kind that the Committee has been set up, and I think the Committee may be trusted to carry out its duties in a proper way.

Mr. MacNEILL

Will the Judge Advocate-General come under the purview of that Committee.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I believe so.

Mr. KING

If those persons who feel otherwise, and that a man can, in spite of his origin and connection, still be loyal to the highest interests and the high ideals of this country, make representations, will they be considered?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, we can discuss this by question and answer. Clearly, since this Committee is appointed it is a case where I am sure the House of Commons can rely on the matter being properly dealt with, and I am sure the Committee will not forget what I have said as to this Gentleman having risked his life on behalf of his country.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the Committee apply the same principles to men of humble origin as to millionaires?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I hope so.

Mr. MacNEILL

Then why do they hunt the hairdressers and protect the millionaires?