HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 364 cc16-7
31. Mr. Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to issue a full despatch giving a detailed account of the operations of the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders?

Mr. Eden

Despatches from Lord Gort and other Commanders covering the whole period of the British Expeditionary Force have been received. The question of their ultimate publication is under consideration, but it would not be in the public interest to issue them at present.

Mr. Cocks

In view of the fact that piecemeal descriptions of certain parts of the operations are being released from time to time, would it not be possible to issue a description of the complete campaign, however abbreviated?

Mr. Eden

That has been considered. The difficulties at this time are rather exceptional, especially in relation to what has happened in France, and developments in that country.