HC Deb 23 February 1937 vol 320 c1819
40. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the public statement made at the Tattoo in Edinburgh on 13th February by Lieut.-Colonel A. C. Hope, commanding officer of the 4th/5th (Q.E.) Battalion, the Royal Scots, that what the young men of this country were required for was not to protect the League of Nations but to protect Great Britain; and whether action has been or will be taken to inform this officer how to interpret Government policy?

Mr. Cooper

My attention has been drawn to a Press report of this incident, but I have no official information. As, however, it has repeatedly been made clear that His Majesty's Government does not regard its responsibility for the defence of this country as in any way inconsistent with its responsibility as a member of the League of Nations or with its desire to enforce the League's authority, I do not think any action of the nature suggested in the second part of the question is called for.

Mr. Mathers

Will the answer that the right hon. Gentleman has just read be forwarded to this officer, in order that he may know that the policy of the Government is as stated by the Foreign Secretary and homologated by the Prime Minister last Thursday?

Mr. Radford

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the statement alleged to have been made by that officer was one that would appeal to patriotic Scotsmen?

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Should not this officer, who is not a politician, be commended for speaking the truth?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore

Is not Britain a good place to defend?