HC Deb 02 November 1943 vol 393 cc516-7
45. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister why only two despatches out of 27 received from commanders-in-chief in the field have been published?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

His Majesty's Government consider that the publication of further despatches would give information of value to the enemy.

Mr. Bellenger

Why did not these Instructions apply during the last war, when all the despatches of the Army chiefs were published within a few months of their receipt by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. Attlee

I have responsibility only for this war. I cannot say why the same course was not adopted in the last war.

Mr. Bellenger

But is it really the case that the despatches of the commanders-in-chief would give information to the enemy? Would they not rather give information to our own people?

Mr. Attlee

I have stated that, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, they would be of service to the enemy.