§ 10. Mr. JAMES BROWNasked the Secretary of State for War why, on 22nd May, the War Office accompanied its account of the military position in the Polish war with a defence of the action of the Poles in launching the attack, why no mention was made of the Soviet Government's statement that they were willing to accept any town for a peace conference in a neutral or entente country, even Paris or London, but that they could not accept a place situated in the war zone unless an armistice was first concluded?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe War Office account, to which the hon. Member refers, was merely an account of the Polish reasons for assuming the offensive. As regards the omission of which the hon. Member complains these War Office accounts do not profess to deal exhaustively with the political situation; this aspect, in fact, is only touched upon in so far as it is relevant to, and affects, the military situation. The hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that the Poles were agreeable to a cessation of hostilities on the sector of front east of Borisov, the place suggested by them for negotiations.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhy does the War Office father this Polish offensive in the way of publishing military communiques about it, and does not that look rather like propaganda in favour of the Poles? Why is the War Office called upon to give these explanations at all?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt has been customary during the War for communications to be made by the War Office on military matters, and no decision has been taken to terminate them. I think it is very often convenient that the information which is in possession of the War Office should be made public. I fancy it is welcomed by the Press.