§ 45. Mr. Stokesasked the Prime Minister whether the decision to accept battle in the island of Singapore was a military or political decision; and, if the former, whether General Wavell recommended it?
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The decision was taken on military grounds and was the unanimous decision of His Majesty's Government, their military advisers, and the commanders on the spot.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that Sir Keith Murdoch reported that he had every sympathy with General Wavell, because he had reason to believe that the decision was a political, and not a military one; and is that true? Many people believe that General Wavell was overruled in this country.
§ Mr. AttleeI am not prepared to check up on statements made by individuals. I have been asked for the facts, and I have given them.
Viscountess AstorWould it not be a good thing to send the hon. Member to Singapore, to look into these matters?
§ Mr. ShinwellWould it not be possible to clear this matter up if we had a statement from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who was in Singapore?
§ Sir H. WilliamsWhy are the Government so reluctant to give us any information on this subject?