HC Deb 20 June 1916 vol 83 cc39-40W
Captain BENNETT-GOLDNEY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the official papers issued to soldiers going on leave from the front, i.e., the permissions or passes, contain instructions to such soldiers as to what they should do if peace was declared during their six days or rather more of absence; if ho is aware that this instruction has already led to many erroneous conclusions, and that these conclusions, by being spread, have led in many cases to a misunderstanding as to the length of time which the War is likely to last; and whether, in view of the undesirability of misleading the people of this country to believe that peace is imminent, he will give instructions to have this instruction deleted?

Mr. TENNANT

I understand that in some cases the documents referred to have been altered in the manner described subsequent to their issue. The matter is being enquired into. If the hon. Member can furnish the names of any officer or soldier whose pass has been so altered, I should be obliged to him. I need not add that the alteration has not been made by authority.

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