§ 13. Sir Hugh O'Neillasked the Secretary of State for War whether the war commentaries, made periodically by an authoritative military spokesman in Cairo, are issued with the sanction and authority of the General Officer Commanding Middle East?
§ Mr. LawAll statements made by military spokesmen in Cairo are made with the authority of the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East.
§ Sir H. O'NeillIs my hon. Friend satisfied that these communiqués always give a true report of the facts as they relate to the situation at the time, in view of the; fact that, with regard to Benghazi, it was stated that it was of no importance whatever and that the loss of Cyrenaica would be a matter of no consequence?
§ Mr. LawThat seems to be another question, but in view of the fact that the Prime Minister has stated that we can have a Debate on the whole situation at the appropriate time, I think we had better leave it till then and not have it now.
§ Mr. LawsonWill the War Office take this matter seriously, as these statements are carrying less and less authority, not among the critics of the Government, but among the mass of the people who are prepared to give every help to the Government?