A SURPRISE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1916, Page 5

A SURPRISE.

MESOPOTAMIA AND DARDANELLES.

COMMISSION .OF INQUIRY.

fN.Z. PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.]

LONDON, July 20.

The House of Commons was croivded for the debate on Sir Edward Carson’s motion to appoint a select committee to inquire into the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia. Mr. Asquith unexpectedly announced the Government’s intention to- appoint commissions! with power to sit secretly to inquire into both matters, Australia being, represented on the Dardanelles commission.

Mr. Asquith said that he recognised the widespread legitimate anxiety to regard to the Dardanelles and -Mesopotamia could not be allayed by general assurances of an after-the-war inquiry. Chving to the present critical phase of military operations; the Government deprecated a debate which Avould give the world an impression that Ave were divided among ourselves. Ho did noit .desire to. conceal past' shortcomings and screen those responsible. There Avere manifest objections to a select committee, which Avould lay a great burden on departmental officers. Moreover, the generals, admirals and other officers required to give evidence were already dispersed over a Avide field and it Avould be. impossible to recall them to London. The Government therefore proposed two commissions consisting of members of the House of Commons, and the House of Lords, and, -if necessary, an outside member.