A Singapore Inquiry
The Government is making a grave mistake in resisting the demand, expressed in a motion moved by Lord Davies in the Upper House last Tuesday, for an inquiry into the circumstances and causes of the less of Singapore. The objections raised by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Rushcliffe showed little understanding of the grave and growing uneasiness caused not only by the disastrous loss of our main bulwark of defence in the Pacific, but also by the sub- sequent unwillingness of the Government to probe the facts and ensure against repetitions of fatal errors. It is true that while the Governor of Singapore and many key Service men and officials are held by the Japanese, the whole evidence cannot yet be taken. There can be no adequate inquiry at present about the local defence of Singapore and the actual operations in Malaya. But there is nothing whatever to prevent an inquiry on the more important aspect of the question—What was done or not done at the London end? The public wants to know what steps were taken when the Japanese showed their hand by occupying French Indo-China ; upon what advice 'Prince of Wales' and 'Repulse' were sent to the danger zone, and without aircraft support ; why 4o,000 men were landed in Singapore after the time when it was recognised that the base could not be held ; and other matters bearing upon the action or inaction of the Government at home. The fact that an inquiry cannot go all the way is no reason against its going as far as it can. Lord Hankey, supporting the motion, said he was
not thinking of a public inquiry. Certainly the proceedings should be private ; but a summary of the findings of the committee ought to be published. The Government does not appear to realise that the idea that this matter is being hushed up is shaking con- fidence and doing incalculable harm. No conclusions that an inquiry might lead tb could harm the Cabinet so much as the increasing feeling that it fears • inquiry. The country feels that it was let down at that unhappy moment in the war, and that the least that should be done is to face the facts and learn the lessons they provide.
