§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (LORD ISLINGTON)My Lords, the noble Marquess opposite asked me yesterday whether, when the Papers with regard to the operations in Mesopotamia were presented, the private correspondence that had taken place between the Governor-General and the Secretary of State would be included. I was not then in a position to give any definite answer. I have made inquiries with regard to the point, but I can only now go as far as this in giving him a reply. For the purpose of these Papers the large mass of correspondence, both official and private, regarding the operations in Mesopotamia is being examined at the India Office with a view to considering what documents can properly be published consistent with the public interest. That examination has not been concluded, and the consent of the different Departments concerned will have to be obtained. Pending the settlement of these points, it is impossible for me to say what documents will or will not be included. But I may say that the Government have no wish to conceal anything that can properly be made public, and that the national interests—and here they must be guided, of course, by their expert military and political advisers—are the sole consideration which will govern their decision.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYThe question was really put by my noble friend Lord Midleton. But we are advised that unless the documents to which he referred—namely, the private correspondence between the Viceroy and the Secretary of State—are in some cases included, the Papers will probably be insufficient to enable your Lordships and the country to arrive at a just conclusion as to the circumstances.