HC Deb 09 December 1942 vol 385 cc1564-5
41. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of now publishing the despatches relating to the campaigns in Norway, East Africa and other theatres where British Forces have been engaged, in view of the fact that the public has to rely on official publications issued by the Ministry of Information which, though admirable, do not replace the value of the commander's own despatches?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I am sure that the time has not yet come when the despatches referred to could be published without giving useful information to the enemy.

Sir R. Glyn

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that in every previous war despatches have been published, and that there has been an interval now of over three years? Is it not essential that the public and Services themselves should have the benefit of commanders' despatches?

Mr. Stokes

Is not the real reason that publication of these reports would reveal misdirections by the Minister of Defence similar to those contained in the Gort Report?