28. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for the early publication of any important dispatches which have been received with respect to the work and position generally of the North Russian Expeditionary Force; what is the total number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who have been recommended by the commanding officers concerned for military decorations for their achievements in the campaign and the total number of decorations that have been actually given; and if he will take steps for particulars of the work of the force to be communicated in more detail to the Press so that the public may be aware of the importance attaching to the campaign and the hardships and dangers incurred by those participating in it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs regards the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, the publication of dispatches will be made at the earliest moment compatible with the public interests. As regards the second part of the question, the total number of awards actually conferred on British personnel in North Russia to date, exclusive of recommendations under consideration at the present moment, is 88. This total covers both the Murmansk and Archangel forces. The number of officers and men who have been recommended by their commanding officers for decorations are not known. But the immediate powers of award held both by General Maynard and General Ironside are considerable, and there is no reason to fear that any deserving cases recommended go unrewarded. As regards the third part of the question, frequent and full communiqués are given to the newspapers and, in addition, verbal communications are made to Press representatives.