§ 42. Mr. Prittasked the Secretary of State for War why the commanding officer of a unit in Burma, whose name has been communicated to him, was not court martialled or otherwise dealt with for striking one of his African privates a series of powerful blows in the presence of at least six witnesses on 9th April, 1944, shortly after it had been emphasised in General Orders that to strike Africans was a crime which must be dealt with.
§ Mr. BellengerI have not received any communication from the hon. and learned Member about this matter, but the incident to which I presume the Question relates was carefully investigated at the time and the officer concerned was completely exonerated. The case was again investigated a year ago on the instruction of my Department, with the same result.
§ 44. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the court martial trial of Corporal Thomas, M.E.L.F., at Haifa, arising from the correspondence between the hon. Member for Mile End and himself entered into on 12th February last, with a further reminding letter of 2nd April.
§ Mr. BellengerI regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this case. The proceedings are being kept in the Middle East until the Commander-in-Chief has reviewed the sentences. As soon as I have seen the proceedings I will write to the hon. Member.