BRITISH BLUNDERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11756, 21 July 1916, Page 6

BRITISH BLUNDERS.

DARDANELLES AND MESOPOTAMIA COMMISSIONS OF ENQUIRY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, (Recoived Julv 21, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, July 20. The House of Commons was crowded for the dobato on Sir Edward Carson's motion to select a coramitte to inquiro into the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia. Mr Asquith unexpectedly announced the Government's intention to appoint Commissions, with power to sit in secret, to inquire into both matters, Australia being represented on tho Dardanelles one. (Recoived July 21, 1 p.m.) LONDON, July 20. In tho House of Commons Mr Asquith said ho recognised that the widespread legitimate anxiety regarding the campaigns at tho Dardanelles and in Mesopotamia could not bo allayed by general assurances of an inquiry after the war, but owing to tho present critical phase of the military operations the Government deprecated a debate which would givo the world an impression that tho British people woro divided .amongst themselves. To was not desired to conceal past shortcomings or screen those responsible. There were manifest objections to a select committee, which would lay a great burden on departmental officers. Moreover tho generals, admirals and other officers who would be required to give evidence were already dispersed over a wide field and it was impossible tc recall them to London. The Government, he said, therefore proposed two commissions, consisting of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and if necessary outside members.