§ LORD CROFTMy Lords, I beg to ask the question which appears in my name on the Paper.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Government of the United States has given any special recognition to the successful Generals and Admirals in the United States Forces in the recent war and whether such recognition involves full pay for life 1010 in the grade in which they were serving at the conclusion of hostilities.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD NATHAN)My Lords, His Majesty's Government have no information beyond that contained in the report of a Press conference by the President of the United States which was to the effect that it was proposed to grant the permanent rank of General of the Army to four American General Officers and the permanent rank of Fleet Admiral to four American Admirals. One other General Officer and one Admiral had been proposed for four-star rank. It was not stated whether or not these appointments will carry full pay for life.
§ LORD CROFTMy Lords, in view of the reply of the noble Lord, may I ask if it is not possible to inquire from our Ally, the United States, whether it is a fact—because it appears to be generally understood in the United States of America—that five-star Generals and Admirals who were the great leaders in the war, are granted permanent rank. Could not that point be clarified, and if it is so, could not we also reconsider the decision recently made with regard to our own victorious war leaders?
§ LORD NATHANIt is assumed that the statement of the President of the United States means that what we should regard as substantive rank has been granted as distinct from temporary rank, but I will certainly cause the inquiries, for which the noble Lord asks, to be made.