HC Deb 23 January 1941 vol 368 cc304-5
Mr. Lees-Smith (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any further statement to make about Lieut.-Colonel Bingham?

The Secretary of State for War (Captain Margesson)

Yes, Sir. This officer has committed a breach of King's Regulations, and an expression of the Army Council's severe displeasure has been conveyed to him. This disposes of the disciplinary aspect of the matter. In addition, I have decided that this officer is no longer suitable for the command of an Officer Cadet Training Unit, and I have given instructions for him to be relieved of his command.

Mr. Bellenger

While congratulating my right hon. and gallant Friend on the speed with which he has dealt with this matter, might I ask, in view of the wide publicity which has been given to the contents of Lieut.-Colonel Bingham's letter, whether the Army Council dissociates itself entirely from the views expressed?

Captain Margesson

I think there is nothing that I can usefully add to the answer I have given.

Sir A. Knox

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend not agree that the "Times" newspaper was greatly at fault in publishing this letter?

Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makins

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend, having drawn this officer's attention to King's Regulations, also direct his attention to the work called "Reginald," by the inimitable "Saki," Mr. H. H. Munro, which tells the story of the unfortunate results to a woman who has set out to tell the truth?