§ 47. Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallettasked the Prime Minister whether it is his policy that the Official History of the War 564 should include a volume on the works of the Combined Operations Command and of the Combined Operations Headquarters.
§ The Prime MinisterThe scheme of the Official Military Histories was laid down in 1946: it did not provide for a separate volume on Combined Operations. I see no reason to extend at this date the scope of the scheme.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWhile appreciating the reasons for that decision, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is satisfied that the wonderful achievements of this country in the field of Combined Operations in the last war will in fact be adequately and accurately recorded? May I also ask him whether full facilities will be given to any private individual who may be willing to undertake an unofficial history?
§ The Prime MinisterThe scheme of the Histories is a very large one. There are to be 31 volumes, comprising six on grand strategy and a number of separate campaign volumes. Combined operations will receive full notice both in the strategy and campaigns volumes. I feel, and those who advise me feel, that if we were to have a special volume on this particular aspect of operations we might be driven to having volumes on Fighter Command, Bomber Command, the antisubmarine war, jungle operations and other special parts of operations. It would be better that those should come out in the general history which is being prepared.
§ Mr. StracheyDoes not the Prime Minister deplore the combined operation which the ex-military chiefs appear to be undertaking against the reputation of the right hon. Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill)?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know what the right hon. Member is talking about. I made some observations at the Guildhall about that.