§ 47. Mr. Bellengerasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the publication of a despatch to the New Zealand Government by General 624 Freyberg, G.O.C. New Zealand Corps, on the operations at Cassino; and whether any despatch has been received by the Government from the G.O.C. British Troops.
§ Mr. AttleeThe answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir," and to the second part, "No, Sir."
§ Mr. BellengerDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that it is somewhat incongruous that a subordinate commander can send a despatch to his own Government, parts of which are published, and yet the supreme commander sends no despatch? Will he consult the Prime Minister, so that we can have a rather better explanation of why the public are not allowed to see some of these despatches?
§ Mr. AttleeThe point is that the general officer commanding the troops of a Dominion has the right to report to his own Government in despatches, and the question of despatches being published here is another matter. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a specific question on that.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIs not the refusal to publish despatches in this war due to a desire to cover up blunders?