Casualties (Unofficial Telegrams)

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at on 2 March 1943.

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Mr. Astor:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that there is normally no serious congestion in the telegraph facilities between the Middle East and England, he will consider relaxing the rule regarding personal communication to relatives in all cases except that of missing persons whose fate may still be under investigation?

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

As I have already explained, the rule referred to was introduced at his own discretion by the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, and I do not propose to interfere with it. The governing consideration was the avoidance of distress and disappointment arising from the premature communication of unverified and sometimes unreliable information. The pressure on means of communication is a secondary consideration at the present time, but it may become a serious matter in times of heavy fighting when casualties are numerous.

Mr. Astor:

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman shifts his ground for refusal every time I ask him this Question, may I ask whether he is aware that the ground he gives of worry in a case which is still uncertain is explicitly excluded from the proposal I put in this Question?

Photo of Mr Quintin Hogg Mr Quintin Hogg , Oxford

What is it to do with the Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East as to whether relatives in this country are caused distress?

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

The Commander-in-Chief is in control of the operations and also of the administration connected with them.

Photo of Mr Quintin Hogg Mr Quintin Hogg , Oxford

Why does that make him responsible for any distress that might be caused to relatives in this country?

Mr. Astor:

Could I have an answer to my Supplementary Question?

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

The Commander-in-Chief is responsible not only for operations but for the morale of the troops in the Middle East and, that being so, I propose to take his advice on the matter.

Mr. Astor:

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Commander-in-Chief on this proposal, and has he taken his advice?

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

Not since the original order was made.

Mr. Astor:

Why does the tight hon. Gentleman quote the Commander-in-Chief when he has not consulted him?

Photo of Mr Richard Acland Mr Richard Acland , Barnstaple

Cannot we have a Minister who will answer the Question?