47. Sir F. HALLasked the Lord Privy Seal if he has any information to the effect that early in 1919 the French Government was approached by the heads of two Allied Governments with a view to obtaining the replacement of Marshal Foch by another French general; and whether the British Government had knowledge of, or supported, this request?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government have no information as to the first part of the question; and as regards the second, it is well known that the British Government used its influence to the 1518 fullest extent to secure the appointment of Marshal Foch to the supreme command in France.
Sir F. HALLIs my right hon. Friend aware of the unfortunate statements circulated in the Press of this country and on the other side of the Channel, and will he take steps to stop this in order to prove our undoubted feeling of confidence in France?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government has a great deal to do as it is, but if we undertook to correct all the misleading statements that appeared in the Press there would be no time for anything else.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the right hon. Gentleman prosecute the Press in this country for publishing false statements as is being done in the case of newspapers in Ireland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf the Law Officers undertook such a task I think they would be employed very largely on useless work.
§ Mr. DEVLINDo you carry on prosecutions in Ireland because you are absolutely certain of obtaining convictions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, but because we think they are necessary.