THE MESOPOTAMIA SCANDAL

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3141, 20 July 1917, Page 5

THE MESOPOTAMIA SCANDAL

QUESTION AGAIN BEFORE PARLIAMENT EX-VICEROY'S POSITION DEBATED (Kec. July 19, 8.35 p.m.) London, July IS. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Luu' said that tho Government was liut proceeding witli any further inquiry conoerjiiiijf the Mesopotamia report, Tho Army Council would deal with, tile soldiers' sido of it in the ordinary way., Viscount Hardinge has thrice offered to resign his post as Permanent 'UnderSecretary of State for Foreign .Affairs, and those offers had been refused by the Government. Ulr. Bonar Law added that the Government was influenced in its decision by the undesirableness of distracting the attention of the Legislature at this critical time from the prosecution cf the war. Oil the representations of tho Secretary of State for l'oreign Affairs (Mi*. Balfour) the Government had decided that it would be detrimental to deprive tho Foreign Office of Viscount Hardingo's services. Mr. John Dillon (N.) obtained leave to move tho adjournment of tho House in order to discuss tho Government's refusal to accept Viscount Hardinge's resignation. Mr. Dillon moved tho adjournment of the House with tho object of drawing attention to tho Government's refusal to accept Viscount Hardinge's resignation. This, he said, involved the . great principle of Ministerial responsibility, and tho only means tho Houso of Commons had of exercising its influence over the Government. Mr. Chamberlain, had resigned, although he had not been censured, yet Viscount Hardinge, who was responsible to an infinitely greater degree, had. been allowed to 1 remain. All should be equally treated. Viscount Hardinge, because he stood well in society, and was supported' by powerful influence, was allowed to ride eft in honour. He (Air. Dillon) 'had learned that the Dardanelles Report would bo very unpleasant, and something had yet to bo learned of the Gaza operations. Mr. Balfour heatedly defendod Viscount Hardinge, and hinted that lie would resign if the House disagreed with his advice to the Government.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT DEFEATED. (Rec. July 20, 0.5 a.m.) London, July 19. 1 Tho motion Tor adjournment was defeated by 176 votes to 81.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. .