HC Deb 31 July 1918 vol 109 cc411-2
25. Colonel JACKSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the decision as to the issue of a decoration for the Australian and New Zealand troops who served in Gallipoli; and whether any similar decoration will be granted to other Dominion troops?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The issue of a decoration to Australian, New Zealand, and Newfoundland troops has been approved by His Majesty. It will be issued by the War Office, but the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, and Newfoundland will determine to whom it should be granted. This decoration will not be issued to Imperial troops, as it is designed to meet the desire of the Commonwealth, New Zealand, and Newfoundland Governments to mark the entry of their troops for the first time into a European war. If any other Dominion Government should desire a similar recognition for its troops, the question will, no doubt, be settled on similar lines.

General McCALMONT

Are we to understand from that reply that Colonial troops will have two decorations and the Imperial troops only one for the same operation?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No, Sir; I do not think so.

Mr. MACMASTER

Has any other Dominion Government applied for similar recognition?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think that is a question that ought to be put to my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary. I said in my answer that a Dominion Government has the power in its own hands to give or not to give such a decoration.