SHOCKING REVELATIONS EXPECTED.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 22 July 1916, Page 5

SHOCKING REVELATIONS EXPECTED.

STRONG CRiTISISM PARLIAMENT.

LONDON, July 20

The House or Commons was crowded for me debate on Sir Edward Carson’s mot.on for a Select Committee to inqu.re into the Dardanelles and Mesopo tam i a ca nip a I gn s. Mr Asquith unexpectedly announced the. Government’s intention to appoint commissions, with power to - it n secret, to inquire into both matters, Australasia being represented at the Dardanelles inquiry. Mr. Asquith said he recognised that there was widespread and legitimate anxiety in regard to the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia, which could not be allayed by general assurances of an after-tbe-war, inquiry. Owing to the present critical phase of military operations, the Government deprecated a debate, which would give the impression that we were divided among ourselves. The Government Hid not desire to conceal past shortcomings or to screen those responsible. There were manifest objections to a select committee, which would lay a great burden on the departmental officers. Moreover, the generals and admirals and other officers required to give evidence were now dispersed over a wide held, and it was impossible to reca'l 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. Air Asquith said lie would shortly introduce a Bill naming the commissioners, and giving compulsory powers.

Sir Edward Carson withdrew his motion. He understood from the Premier’s statement that General Sir William Robertson and Mr. Chamberlain arc satisfied that everything possible is being done to remedy the disastrous state of affairs in Mesopotamia. He was confident that Sir William Robertson was a man who was not influenced by politicians.

Mr Asquith moved the adjournment, on the understanding that the debate was confined to his statement.

Mr Churchill hoped the inquiry would bo held as much in public as possible.

Mr Asquith, in reply to Mr Churchill said the Commission would sit in secret if necessary. Mr. Annan Bryde said if the country knew the apalling facts regarding the hospital arrangements in Mesopotamia, no whitewashing committee would suffice.

Mr. Lloyd George said that henceforth the Army Council would have complete control through the com-mander-in-chief in India in respect to the conduct of the campaign. There were abundant supplies now at Basrah. The War Office was endeavouring to remedy the difficulties of sending them to the troops. The first duty was to put matters right. The second was to bring those responsible for negligence and incapacity to account.

Mr. Chamberlain said that in the event of incompetence being proved, the Government would act immediately. It would not await the commission’s findings. He denied that ’the misfortunes were due to financial niggardliness of the Indian Government, which was not responsible.

The House of Commons voted money for the expedition.

Mr. Asquith’s motion was formally negatived.