HC Deb 20 October 1943 vol 392 cc1354-5
15. Mr. Ivor Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the broadcast from the Allied control station at Bari on 16th October, he has yet been officially informed if General Ambrosio and General Roatta are members of Marshal Badoglio's Government?

Mr. Law

According to the information of His Majesty's Government, Generals Ambrosio and Roatta continue to hold the positions of Chief of the Combined Staff and Chief of the Army Staff respectively, which they held before the surrender. As I told the House last week the charges which have been made against them are being examined. If these charges prove to be well-founded appropriate action will be taken.

Captain CunninghamReid

Will they be treated in the same way as Hess?

Mr. Lipson

How long are these investigations likely to be?

Mr. Law

I hope that they will be completed with all possible speed.

Mr. Silverman

Is it not usual that when the conduct of officers is being investigated to see whether any criminal investigation could be founded they are suspended from duty?