§ 31. Mr. Ian Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will 'make a statement with regard to the recent removal of Lieut.-Colonel Eric Gibbs, Assistant Chaplain General of the Commonwealth Forces in the Far East, from his appointment.
§ Mr. StracheyThis officer has been recalled by the Chaplain General in order to obtain a first hand account of the recent incident at Yokohama. I have asked for a report from the Chaplain General and from the local military authorities. I cannot make a statement until I have received these reports.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will make such a statement, and will he also give an assurance that ministers of religion serving in the Forces will not be called upon to do anything which is contrary to their religious principles?
§ Mr. StracheyI think I can give both those assurances.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCould my right hon. Friend assure us that this chaplain has not been undermining the morale of the troops by preaching Christianity?
§ Mr. HopkinsonHaving regard to the fact that the protest by Commonwealth chaplains was made on 13th June and very widely publicised, that the dismissal of Lieut.-Colonel Gibbs was announced on 21st June and now we are at 26th June, can the right hon. Gentleman say when those interested in this question can again put down a Question on the subject?
§ Mr. StracheyLieut.-Colonel Gibbs has only just arrived in this country. We must give the Chaplain General some time to investigate the matter and also for a report to reach me from the local military authorities; but certainly I should hope to be in possession of the full facts at a not distant date.