Middle East Forces (Political Discussions)

HC Deb 16 May 1944 vol 400 cc16-8

26. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Public Relations Department of G.H.Q., M.E.F., stopped war correspondents from sending any messages relating to the Forces Parliament on and for some time after 28th April; what reason there was for this behaviour; and whether he will instruct the officials concerned to deal more reasonably with such matters.

12. Mr. Hugh Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for War how many meetings of the Forces Parliament in Cairo have been held since it was converted from a public into a private assembly; and what has been the average attendance at these meetings.

Sir J. Grigg

So far as my information now goes the position is as follows: The so-called Cairo Parliament was organised at a recreational centre known as "Music for All." The primary concern of this centre is the provision of music but debates were also held. These debates were attended by British Services personnel and also by members of the U.S.A. and Polish Forces, and civilians of different nationalities. Although up to the final meeting in "Music for All" proceedings had been conducted in an orderly manner—[Interruption]—perhaps I ought to have said "harmonious"—there was always if not an actual breach, at any rate a continuing risk of a breach of King's Regulations and it was certainly known that the Germans had used these meetings for propaganda purposes, suggesting that there had been mutiny. In view of these facts it was decided, in my view quite properly, by the local Commander that the discussions should in future take place under official military control in the same way as A.B.C.A. discussions invariably take place and that civilians should be excluded. The communication of this decision to the meeting of the mock parliament was received by protests led by a private in the R.A.P.C. and a member of the R.A.F. After full consideration of all the circumstances the local Commanders decided not to take disciplinary action against the individuals concerned. I regret that I have no information about the number of meetings or the attendances since these new arrangements were made. As regards censorship delays, I understand that correspondents' copy was held with their consent pending a final decision as to the future of the mock parliament. All copy has since been cleared.

Mr. Pritt

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why a cable to me from Mr. Worth Howard on the subject on 4th May was stopped, and why a cable to me on 29th April from an officer in the Army Education Corps, which did not deal with a matter of any military security, was also stopped?

Sir J. Grigg

The hon. and learned Member is, I think, in error. The second telegram to which he refers—the earlier one—was certainly not stopped. On that, I am absolutely certain about my facts. I have no knowledge of the other telegram, and perhaps the hon. and learned Member will let me inquire into that.

Mr. Loverseed

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the representation made to the senior officers concerned in Cairo was made in a proper manner through the "Music for All" committee; is he aware that it was freely reported in Cairo that certain personnel, who were named, were to be posted as a result of the activities of the parliament, and can he assure this House that their posting, which has now, in fact, taken place, has no political significance whatever?

Sir J. Grigg

I can only speak for the Service over which I preside. It is perfectly true that one of the personnel concerned has been re-posted, but that, I understand, was in accordance with a request which he had submitted before this incident took place, and was in accordance with his own wishes.

Mr. Mathers

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is rather derogatory to the dignity of his office and to the British Army that this action is decided by Goebbels?

Sir J. Grigg

I think that in any military or quasi-military operations the effect on the enemy is one of the factors to be considered.

Mr. Pritt

Is it correct that the parliament which had these instructions delivered to it voted a protest against it by approximately 600 to one?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot say what the formal procedure was. There were considerable protests, as I have said, and the local Commanders considered the question of disciplinary action, and, in all the circumstances, decided to take no such action.