GENERAL TOWNSHEND’S DESPATCH.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 129, 2 June 1916, Page 4

GENERAL TOWNSHEND’S DESPATCH.

DISCLOSURE BY THE “TIMES.”

THE GOVERNMENT CHALLENGED.

I LONDON, May 31. | The “Times” in a leader, referring to General Townshend’s papers, says General Townshend wrote on October 3rd, stating clearly and forcibly the grave risks in an advance on Bagdad. A number of people were aware of the existence of this document. A copy was sent to an official in close touch with the Government. IWe have reason to believe iwtsane v a gHffiDOß son to believe it was never shown to> any member of the Government of India. If the original reached General Nixon’s staff it never got beyond. Its terms were perfectly familiar to us when we wrote cur leading article on April Ist, which it is admitted was the basis of Mr. Chamberlain’s enquiries. Our remarks were not based on gossip or private letters but. on a document formally signed by General Townshend, which was so mysteriusly ignored. As the Government has raised the point, we will be happy to print General Townshend’s real appreciation if they give us the necessary permission.” \