§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, on any early opportunity, he is going to make a statement as regards the military situation, in view of the serious statement of M. Clemenceau, and in view of the fact that the French Chamber of Deputies is constantly kept informed of the position through its Commissions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Vote of Credit would be a suitable opportunity for dealing with this subject, but, if the position is as indicated, I should not think it wise to make any attempt to review the military situation. I may point out that M. Clemenceau has deliberately refused either to have an open discussion or a Secret Session of the French Chamber.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that constant information is conveyed to members of the Chamber of Deputies through their Commissions from day to day, while this Chamber is without any knowledge, especially under the censorship which is enforced?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is not a quite correct description of what happened. The French system has these Commissions. We have not got them, but I hope the hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that members of the French Chamber are informed, because these Commissions are under the obligation to keep secret the information given to them.
§ Sir E. CARSONWas the information which M. Clemenceau gave to the representatives that they were determined to fight it out to the end?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSo far as I know, that is in essence the main part of what he said, and in the Chamber that is all he said, and felt justified in saying.