§ Mr. CLYNES (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to take any steps with regard to the very serious statements made in the public Press dealing with his action and policy in relation to Russia; and whether he is prepared to make a full statement on the subject?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy right hon. Friend gave me notice of this question yesterday. For some reason or other he did not put the question. If he had done so, I should have given him the answer I give him now. I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House yesterday, in answer to a question across the Floor of the House.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I, therefore, ask the Leader of the House whether we can have an early opportunity of discussing the matter referred to in the question?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I would like to know what it is that it is desired to discuss before I can give any answer. In any case, it would be very difficult to find time before the Recess.
§ At the end of Questions—
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the terms of the reply, I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the publication of evidence to the effect that secret arrangements, tending to mislead Parliament and the people regarding British military commitments, are made in the War Office, in co-operation with the military representatives of other countries.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think I can take that as a matter of urgency. It relates to matters which took place some time ago, and there is nothing urgent about it. Should the right hon. Gentleman desire to raise a discussion upon it, there are proper means of doing so, and before the end of the month there will be several occasions upon which the matter could be raised. I could not accept the Adjournment Motion.
§ Mr. CLYNESWhile it is true that these events are perhaps twelve months old, they have been revealed to us only in the last few days.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe revelation does not create a matter of urgency.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I point out to you, very respectfully, that at the present moment our relations with Poland are exactly similar to what a year ago our relations were with Koltchak's Government, and that what happened then may very well be happening now both in connection with Poland and in connection with Wrangel's Government in the Crimea, and that, if what was done then was wrong, it is of urgent importance that we should stop such a thing happening again in connection with other powers, which may involve us in war and may again be deceiving the people and the Government of this country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe proposition which the hon. and gallant Gentleman makes is too remote. If the hon. and gallant Member has any suggestion that at the present 1205 time the Secretary of State for War is carrying on any negotiations with the Polish Government or with General Wrangel, which are unknown to the Government and contrary to the policy of the Government—if the hon. and gallant Member will produce any evidence of that character, that raises an entirely different matter and puts the question in a different light.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not that to be pre-supposed from the fact that he was doing exactly that a year ago, contrary to what anyone in this country would have supposed possible?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman pre-supposes that General Golovin's statements in the interview are correct. I understand that that presupposition is denied.
§ Mr. N. MACLEANWould it not be advisable, in the interests of the Secretary of State himself, to make a statement of his side of the case so that we could know whether General Golovin's case is correct or not?
Mr. PALMERMay I ask whether it would make the Motion of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Platting (Mr. Clynes) in order if we were to add these words "and to call attention to the national danger of his continued presence at the War Office and the urgent need for the immediate removal of the right hon. Gentleman from the position of Secretary of State for War"?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is not a proper method by which to move a vote of censure on a Minister. There is a proper method of doing so.
§ Captain W. BENNMay I ask the Leader of the House whether he will consider the advisability of publishing a White Paper showing which of General Golovin's statements are disputed by the Secretary of State for War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo. There may be something in all this, but, I have not been able to see it. I have no reason whatever to suppose that my right hon. Friend (Mr. Churchill) has been doing anything behind the backs of his colleagues.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the Leader of the House whether he has satisfied himself that there 1206 are no other similar negotiations going on in other directions at the present time?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid the interrogatories are getting rather discursive.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that it will be impossible to move the Adjournment in connection with affairs in Russia at the present time, and that this prevents free discussion in this House of grave actions of this misleading Government?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must only suppose what he will find in my ruling in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI hope I may be permitted to make a personal statement. I have not personally the slightest desire to avoid any Debate.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI take responsibility for the decision, which is according to the rules and procedure of the House.