War Time Dispute.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1922, Page 2

War Time Dispute.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION LONDON. July 26.

The recent controversy between General Maurice and Mr Lloyd George, regarding the latter’s assertion at the time of the German advance in March 1918. has been reopened by correspondence published ip the “Westminster Gazette.” General Maurice asserts that Mr l.loyd George, on April 9th.. 1918 in the House of Commons, quoted figures of the alleged British strength in France immediately before the German offensive begun. About a week later, on April 18th... a. return was prepared for the purpose Of justifying Lloyd George’s statement. This return, says General Maurice, accidentally included Its in the British strength in l'lHricei the whole of the British strength in Italy, This mistake, says General Maurice. was pointed out to Mr Lloyd George, who, nevertheless, quoted the incorrect, figures in the House of Commons on May 9th., stating that figures had bbeit supplied from official sources, for which General Maurice was responsible. The Duke of Northumberland, then Chief of the Department concerned, whose letter is also published, eonfirmed General Maurice’s statement that the Prime Minister was warned by the Directorate of Military Operations that the return was incorrect, and that the Allied strength in France 1918 was relatively weaker than in the year previously. General .Maurice demands that Mr l.loyd George shall withdraw the imputation he made in 1918 that General Maurice supplied him with the incorrect fi Mires. Otherwise, lie says be will publish the correspondence. Mr I. lord George’s secretary has replied:—“Mr Lloyd George does not think it will he injurious to the public interest or injurious to you. if m leaves your criticism, like much more of a similar character, to the ultprej ltd it od i dgm ill of posterity. As regards voiir threat to publish, Mr Lloyd George would refer you. With courtesy to ail answer made in similar circumstances by the Duke of M • lington.” , ~ Mi' I.lovd George here evidently refers to Lord Wellington’s famous remark in a certain episode ‘‘Dear Fanny, publish and lie damned!’