MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1916, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

DARDANELLES AND MESOPO- ' , TAMIAN CAMPAIGNS, | f STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUITH, A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. London, July 20. The House of Commons was crowded for the debate on Sir E. Carson's motion for a jeleet committee to inquire Into the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia expeditions. Mr. Asquith unexpectedly announced the Government's intention to appoint a commission with power to sit In secret and inquire into both matters, Australia being represented at the Dardanelles inquiry. Mr. Asquith said he recognised that the widespread and legitimate anxiety with regard to the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia Muld not be allayed by general assurances of an after-the-war inquiry. Owing to the present critical phase of the military operations the Covirnmenfr deprecated a debate which would gjve the impression that wo were d'vided amongst ourselves. He did not t'esire to conceal past shortcomings or to screen those responsible. There were manifest objections to a select commit- j tee. It would, lay a great burden on the Department officers, moreover the generals, admirals, and other officers who would Be required to give evidence had alreay been dispersed over a wide field and it was impossible to recall them to (xmdon. The Government therefore proposed two commissions consisting of members of the Horise of Commons and Lords, find if necessary an outside member. Receives July. 21, 9 p.m. tj London. July 21. Mr. Annan Bryde said that if the country knew the appalling facts about the hospital arrangements in Mesopotamia no whitewashing committee would Bufflee. Mr. Lloyd George said that henceforth the 1 Army Council would have complete control over the Commander-in-Chief in India in respect of the conduct of the campaign. There tfere abundant supplies now at Basrah. The War Office was endeavoring to remedy the difficulties of sending them troops. Their first duty was to put matters right, and the second to bring those responsible for the negligence and incapacity to account. Mr. Chamberlain stated that, in the •event of incompetence being proved, the Government would act immediately and not await the Commissioners findings. He denied that the misfortunes were due to financial niggardliness. The Indian Government, which was not responsible to the House of Commons, voted money for the expedition. Mr. Asquith's »notion was formally pegatived. Lord Islington, speaking in the House of Lords, said that General Nixon undoubtedly believed he could carry out the operations successfully, and General Townsend never questioned, in any of his correspondence, whereto the Government had access, his capacity to do it. It was apparent that General Nixon under-rated Jhe difficulties. ALL POSSIBLE BEING DONE. COMMISSION MAY SIT IX SECRET. Received July 21, 5.5 p.m. London, July 20. In the House of Commons, Mr. Asquith stated he would shortly introduce a bill naming the commissioners and giving compulsory powers. Sir E. Carson withdrew his motion. It 19 understood from the Premier's statement that Sir William Robertson and Mr. A. Chamberlain arc- satisfied that everything is being done to remedy the disastrous Btate of affairs in Mesopotamia. It is confidently believed that Sir William Robertson is a man who will not be influenced by politicians. Mr. Asquith moved the adjournment, on the understanding that the debate would be confined to hu statement. Mr. Churchill hoped the enquiry to be held would be as much in public as possible. Mr. Asquith, in reply to Mr. Clnr.chill's suggestion, said the commission would «it ia secret if necessary. A MODEL HOSPITAL. deceived July 21- ".i'l p.m. London, Joly 20.' .Sir Thomas Mackenzie, speaking at the opening of the Canadian Hospital it Putney, stated that the military authorities were satisfied with the hospital •he New Zealand War Contingent had established at Walton-on-Thames and /egarded it as a model hospital in Eng4ui&