MRS. CORNWALLIS WEST

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2969, 5 January 1917, Page 5

MRS. CORNWALLIS WEST

CENSURED BY A MILITARY COURT. (Rec. January 4, 10.20 p.m.) . London, January 4. The report of the Military Court of Inquiry into tho case of Lieut. Barrett states that when. Barrett' was recommended for a, commission his claims we're supported by General Sir J. Cowans (Quartermaster-General of the Offices), the colonel of his regiment, and Mrs. ■ Cornwallis West. The last-named took more than ordinary interest in. Barrett, who failed to respond, and eventually wrote Mrs. West a letter of remonstrance,'.which the latter sent to Sir J. Cowans. The result was that Barrett was censured and transferred. The report characterises Mrs. West's conduct as highly discreditable and vindictive, and her evidence given in Court was untruthful. It appears that Mrs. West had complained of Barrett's ungentlemanly conduct. Tho report states that Barrett entirely merited the commission granted him in December, 1915., since when he had done nothing unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. The report concludes that whatever influence Mrs. West had' over Sir J. Cowans she exaggerated it By her injudicious boast that she had the power to wield the War Office, and was calculated to bring Sir J. Cowans and the War Office into disrepute. It was regrettable she holds an important position connected with war work in Denbighshire.—Router.