TO BE ENQUIRED INTO BY A JUDGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 269, 14 November 1945, Page 5

TO BE ENQUIRED INTO BY A JUDGE

AUSTRALIAN GENERAL’S ESCAPE Recd. 12.11 a.m. Melbourne, Nov. 13. The circumstances of the escape of Lieut.-General Gordon Bennett from Singapore after the capitulain February, 1942, will be investigated by a J/idge. This was announced by the Premier, Mr. Chifley, after a meeting of the War Cabinet. He said that a copy of the report of a special of Inquiry of three generals, nnde* Lieut.-General Morshead as President, was being forwarded to General Bennett. No Indication was given when the inouiry would be held, or where or what Judge would b - ' annointed. Recommendations for further action against General Bennett were expended to a report of the Armv Board, which took evidence at Victoria Barracks Sydney, behind closed doors. These recommendations formed the basis of the War Cabinet’s discussions to-day. A reouest for the issue of the report officially was refused, on the grounds that “publication would prejudice future action that might be taken.” According to Ministers who have seen the report a memorandum from the British G.O.C. in Malaya, Lieut? ant-General Percival, to Genera’ Blcmey, criticised General Bennett.