45. Sir M. BARLOWasked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet have now been able to reconsider the question of the Gallipoli medal or decoration promised to the Australian and New Zealand troops; whether the Memorandum signed by over 100 Members of Parliament asking that the Navy and British troops, who behaved with such heroism in Gallipoli, should receive equal recognition has been placed before the Cabinet; and, if so, what is their decision?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for South-West Manchester on Thursday last.
Sir M. BARLOWIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a certain number of the Australians have expressed their 431 unwillingness to accept any decoration of the kind unless it is also awarded to the gallant 29th and other famous regiments?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government have carefully considered this very difficult problem, and have made definite proposals, which I think will be satisfactory. As I mentioned before, these proposals have been submitted for the concurrence of the Dominion Governments, and as soon as we hear from them I shall make a statement.
§ Colonel McCALMONTHave the War Cabinet borne in mind the necessity for not putting these men who have served continuously on one front or the other in a worse position than those who have served on two fronts?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat was most carefully considered. The whole matter was gone into by a Committee, and I believe that the House of Commons will approve of our proposals when they see them.