§ 9. Mr. MOSLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government recognises the practice whereby officers of His Majesty's forces contribute their views on questions of military discipline and policy to the press of this country or of foreign countries?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)An officer or soldier is forbidden under King's Regulations, paragraph 453, to publish in any form whatever or communicate directly or indirectly to the press any military information, or his views on any military subject, without the authority of the Army Council.
§ Mr. MOSLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the interview recently accorded to an American journalist by General Sir Nevil Macready, and is the action of that officer of the character referred to?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have no details of the interview in my mind, but it does not appear to me to be in the nature of technical military information so far as my recollection goes.
§ Mr. MOSLEYWho is entitled to speak on behalf of the Government of Ireland? Is General Macready entitled to voice the views of the Government of Ireland?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is much better that statements of policy should be made by the Minister who is responsible.
§ Mr. MOSLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman take any disciplinary action in the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe only action taken will be to give General Macready every possible assistance.