59. Sir F. HALLasked what action was taken toy the Government after the expression of opinion advanced at Versailles in January, 1918, by Sir Henry Wilson, in the presence of the Prime Minister, that the Germans would probably concentrate 100 divisions opposite the British front, on the left of the French line, with the object of severing the British and French armies; what was the total strength of the British 5th Army then opposite the German line in this sector of front and the strength of the Germans opposed to them; what was the relative strength of the two forces at the time of the German attack in March, 1918; whether the course of the campaign foreseen by Sir Henry Wilson was discussed by him at any time with General Gough; whether General Gough was given such reinforcements as he considered necessary to enable him to resist this anticipated mass attack by the Germans; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that the Cabinet had already been informed of the probable course of events, he will now state the grounds on which General Gough was relieved of his command, in consequence of a disaster due to the failure to take the necessary measures to strengthen his Army which were called for by Sir Henry Wilson's forecast of events?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is impossible that the many extremely interesting and highly controversial issues raised in the question of my hon. and gallant Friend could be dealt with by question and answer.