Mr. Lloyd George described the motion as unprecedented. General Maurice
had remained at the War Office after the Prime Minister's speech of April 9th was made, but had not complained of any mis- statements to him, or the Cabinet, or the Chief of Staff. That wal unfair. As for an inquiry, the Government felt that a Select Com- mittee would not be impartial, and that Judges would determine the facts at once. But as the newspapers supporting Mr. Asquith were " egging him on " to embarrass the Government, and as they would not accept the decision of any select Tribunal, the Govern- ment had determined to have no inquiry, but " to give the facts in public and let the public judge." Mr. Lloyd George said that he received from General Maurice's Department the statement that the British Army in France was considerably stronger on January 1st last than on January 1st, 1917. The statement that there were only three white divisions in Egypt was made at the Cabinet by a Staff officer in the presence of General Maurice. A change, of which the Prime Minister was not informed, was taking place at that moment.
