§ 31. Captain Marsdenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it is the intention of the Admiralty to publish Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton's contemporary war diary as submitted to the Admiralty on the Malayan campaign; or whether this diary will be made available to naval correspondents and historians.
§ Captain MarsdenMay I ask the Financial Secretary, in view of the fact that this experience shows that rough notes taken as events are actually happening are far more accurate than despatches written afterwards, why this diary cannot be available for students and writers of naval history?
§ Mr. DugdaleThe report was not written with a view to publication, and it is not considered that it would be suitable, in view of the fact that at that time Admiral Layton was not able to consult with the other two Commanders, both of whom were in prison and who have since written their Report in quite different circumstances.
§ Captain MarsdenThe Financial Secretary obviously did not hear or pay any attention to what I have just said. This is a record of events. May I ask, has Admiral Layton been consulted, or does he agree to his diary being published?
§ Mr. DugdaleYes, Sir, he has.
§ Sir R. RossWill Admiral Layton be precluded from giving his own version of events during this important period of the war if he so wishes?
§ Mr. DugdaleAdmiral Layton is now a private individual and doubtless, if he wished to do so, he would ask permission, and we would have to see what happened when he did so.