§ LORD WEDGWOODMy Lords, I beg to put my second question on the Paper, about Sir Arthur Smith.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether their attention has been called to a statement purporting to have been made by the G.O.C., London District, to the effect that the Home Guard will be used after the war to discipline British civilians, and what action will be taken in connexion with this officer if he holds such views.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD CROFT)My Lords, in answer to the question of the noble Lord, there was no such suggestion in the statement made by the General Officer Commanding the London District, and no action is called for.
§ LORD WEDGWOODIf the quotation given in the Press was wrong, could we have the right quotation? Not that I have any complaint to make of Sir Arthur Smith.
§ LORD CROFTMy Lords, this distinguished General, who took a major part in the Staff direction of all the great opera- 112 tions at the commencement of the Libyan Campaign, is of course unable to defend himself, and I should like to express the hope that the noble Lord will not read into his speech words that he did not use and ideas which he never intended. I am sure the noble Lord would agree to that. He asked me for the actual words, and they were these, as reported in The Times:
When the war ended the influence and example of the Home Guard would be needed to keep the country disciplined and steady. Whatever the future, let them see that the magnificent spirit of the home Guard would live.That is a sentiment which I am sure all noble Lords would agree with.
§ LORD WEDGWOODYes, but the spirit of the Home Guard is to defend this country against the Germans, not to defend this country against Red Revolution.