§ Mr. ADAMSON (by Private Notice)asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to an article in the "Daily Herald" purporting to give authentic copies of circulars issued to various commanding officers; whether these circulars were in fact sent out; whether it is correct that the commanding officers were requested to supply information as to whether the troops under their command would assist in strike-breaking; whether they would parade for draft overseas, especially to Russia; whether there is any growth of trade unionism amongst them, and what effect outside trade unions have on them; whether these circulars were issued with the knowledge and approval of the Cabinet, and, if so, whether he will state the reasons for this action, and afford facilities as early as possible for a Debate on the matter?
Captain GUESTI have been asked, on behalf of the Secretary of State for War, to reply to the question. The document in question was a confidential circular issued some three months ago, for which the War Office accept sole responsibility, at a time when the country was threatened with a strike which would have brought the vital services, including food supplies, of the nation to a standstill.
It is not, and never has been, the intention of the Government to use troops to intervene in ordinary industrial disputes between Capital and Labour. But, as the Government announced at the time in this House, they conceived it to be their duty to the country to take steps to prevent such a state of affairs arising. Information for this and other purposes—namely, the reception by the troops of Army Order 14—was needed, and the method adopted was by no means improper under the peculiar circumstances then prevailing.
General officers are entitled to obtain the opinions of their subordinates on any subjects, and it was clearly necessary that the Government should be informed of the sentiments of the troops before framing such a policy as would safeguard the public interests.
§ Mr. ADAMSONHad this policy the approval of the Cabinet, and, if so, will the Leader of the House grant us facilities for discussing the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe matter was not brought specially to the notice of the Cabinet as it clearly, I should think, was within the duty of the War Office to find out in a general way what the sentiments of the troops were at that time. As regards the time for discussion, I hope that the opportunity for which my right hon. Friend wishes can be arranged in the ordinary way, on a vote of Supply or otherwise.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre these reports which were called for still being sent in although the circular was sent out three months ago?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is really necessary to give notice of that.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESIs it not a fact that it is an offence against the Defence of the Realm Act to publish a confidential secret circular, and does the right hon. Gentleman intend to take any action against the "Daily Herald?"
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt certainly is an offence, and that point is being considered.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of this question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI am sorry to press my right hon. Friend. Is it the duty of active field officers to assist the Secret Service Department of the country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo. The Government would certainly disapprove of anything of the kind. What was done was to take steps, which seemed to the War Office right, to find out exactly what the sentiments of the troops were in reference to the difficult subjects then before the country.
§ Mr. N. M'LEANIn considering the question of the prosecution of the "Daily Herald" for publishing confidential documents, will the general question of prosecuting others for publishing confidential documents that have got into their hands be also considered?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes. The hon. Member may rest assured that no action will be taken specially because this is a Labour paper. Questions of that kind have arisen constantly and have been 1602 considered by the Cabinet, and action was not taken because we thought that it was not in the public interest or desirable to do so. I do not in any way prejudge what decision we may come to in this matter.
Mr. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very keen resentment throughout the country owing to the action of the Government in this matter, and already some of the Executive Council of the trade unions are expressing so much dissatisfaction that they are contemplating taking drastic action with regard to it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI should be very sorry indeed if I thought that that were the case. The Government in such cases can only carry on if it has the confidence of the country as a whole. I believe that it had that confidence, and I cannot believe that objection would have been taken.
§ Mr. ADAMSONI take it that the Leader of the House, in agreeing to give us facilities to discuss this matter, will include also the opportunity of discussing the action taken by the "Daily Herald"?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI really cannot say what kind of opportunity will be available. If it is Supply, I doubt if it could be brought in in that way. But if my right hon. Friend will discuss the matter with one of the Whips, we shall consider what facilities will be given in the ordinary course.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESIs not the question of the prosecution of the "Daily Herald" only a matter of law?