ARMY LEADERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24951, 25 June 1942, Page 5

ARMY LEADERS

ABILITY QUESTIONED CRITICISM IN COMMONS (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON. June 24. The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr C. R. Attlee, after his statement in the House of Commons dealing with the fall of Tobruk. had to face bitter attacks from both sides of the House. The strongest criticism came from the Conservative benches. Sir John S. Wardlaw-Milne said: "What we want is an opportunity to discuss the military direction of the war. I give the Government notice that I and certain members desire to put on the Order Paper a notice of motion that, while having the highest admiration for the troops and their endurance, we no longer have confidence in the military direction of the war. The situation is serious. The House would like to discuss the matter immediately."— (Cheers.) Mr Attlee: I am quite sure that, desirous as you may be of finding a scapegoat—(Shouts of "No")—you want to put the blame somewhere—(Shouts of "Why not?")—whether you condemn the Government, a general, or anyone else. We want to give the House the full facts. We have not got them. There is difficulty in getting facts at present. I am quite sure you will be given full opportunity for a debate, and if there is blame, to place the blame in the right quarter. Earl Winterton (Con.) said: "The chief factor in our defeat, as in Malaya, Singapore, and Burma, was that the enemy possessed superior man-power and more suitable tanks and planes. Some of us are in possession of information from unimpeachable sources which shows that Mr Churchill and the Secretary of State for War, Sir James Grigg, need to inquire very closely into the armament and hitting power of our armoured divisions at home. If they and the Amercian divisions are sent overseas without armaments equal to the enemy's there will be one of the greatest catastrophes in our history." Mr J. J. Lawson (Con.): Can you state to the House that the conduct of our fighting men in this battle has been worthy of the best traditions of the British service?

Mr Attlee: Certainly. There is no doubt that the troops, whether Indian, British, South African, or Free French, all fought magnificently, and their morale has been splendid. Sir Herbert Williams (Con.) asked whether the articles published in the London press from Cairo and from the Middle East were generally subject to censorship. "If so," he said, " how can you explain the most optimistic articles published in the Sunday press? "

Mr Attlee said the messages from Cairo were subject to censorship only on the ground of security. For two or three days criticism of the handling of the battle had been held up only as a temporary measure, on the ground that it would be helpful to the enemy.: The House cheered when Sir Percy Harris (Lib.) asked Mr Attlee if he had seen the statement of Mr W. M. Hughes suggesting that the "soothing syrup" that was being poured out, particularly in respect, to this campaign, would be better replaced by hard facts. Mr Attlee: I do not know to what particular writing Mr Hughes was referring, but you cannot have a free press and simultaneously issue instructions against optimistic statements being made. Mr J. Dugdale(Lab.): Is it not necessary to ask Russia to send the best available general to Cairo as quickly as possible? Sir George Hume (Con.): When we receive news which touches everyone severely we should give a lead to the country by showing that we can remain calm.—(Cheers.)

He added that there was a tremendous responsibility on the House of Commons. "We should not show any signs of panic," he said. "We ought to be drawing closer together, and strengthen the hands of those Who carry big responsibilities." VEIL OF SECRECY SOUTH AFRICAN CRITICISM (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, June 23. "We have suffered a major defeat in Libya, and General Sir Archibald Wavell. the only general who has captured the public imagination, should be brought back from India," comments the Natal Mercury. " South Africa has a right to ask for full information regarding the causes of the present situation. The thick veil, of official secrecy must be lifted if public uneasiness is to be allayed. It has been apparent for a long time that new methods are required. Tobruk has brought the whole matter to a head. There has been no explanation with regard to Singapore, but the same policy will not be tolerated again." THE HAND OF LAVAL HELP FOR ROMMEL ', LONDON, June 23. In the House of Commons the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare, Mr Dingle Foot, said he did not believe that Rommel was now receiving supplies from metropolitan France. " I have reason to believe," he said, " that Axis vessels more than once used French territorial waters, but it would not be in the public interest to give details." Tho Lahore Civil and Military Gazette sees the hand of M. Laval behind Field-marshal Rommel's success in Libya, and thinks that reinforcements and supplies for the Axis came overland through North Africa with Vichy's help. " Rommel has more men and equipment than he could have collected by Axis ships which evaded the British naval blockade." it states.