10 MARCH 1917, Page 3

But even though by a most unfortunate accident Mr. Dillon

was allowed to read out the letter, we areeurprised that some member of the Cabinet did not back up Mr. Macpherson's very proper protest—.a protest which did hint personally great credit, but which in the circumstances naturally required endorsement from higher quarters. Mr. Bonar Law should not only have condemned Mr. Dillon's breach of the traditions of honourable men, but he should have got the assent of the House that the letter should not appear in the official report, and should have warned all newspapers that its publication would be regarded as an offence under the regula- tions governing the publication of matter that would be injurious to the interests of the Allies.