The Ypres Times.
129
have wished to possess his civilian attire for spying purposes. But," he objected, Why
should they shave me I could see that this was a very sore point. Mr. Claw glared
at me at this. He repeated his conviction that the outrage had been planned and
committed by English officers and men, as a revenge for his addiction to free speech
in his writings. In this he persisted, hinting that the outrage would ultimately have
to be paid for by the British Government.
Subsequently, Mr Claw asked me what course I should recommend him to adopt,
as regards his immediate proceedings. He said that deep as his resentment was, he did
not at present propose to embarrass the British Government. I thanked him for this. He
said he was never a political agitator except for literary purposes. Would the whole
affair be kept secret I assured him that that rested with himself. In my opinion he
should return to England at once and remain for a time in strict seclusion, and I would
procure him the necessary pass. I have since done so, in the name of J. B. Tupper of
the Chicago Inter-Ocean newspaper, as advised in your message of this morning. Mr.
Claw has also been provided with suitable clothing from Ordnance stores, St. Omer. He
has left in my car for Base this afternoon.
I am, Sir, etc.,
E. P. Davidson, Lieut.-Gen.,
G.O.C. Xth Corps.
VI.
[Enclosures in War Office file, Claw, B."]
Embarkation Officer, Boulogne.
Pass (F.R. 1637). J. B. Tupper, American, Chicago, Inter-Ocean." Returning
via Boulogne. Passport surrendered here. Aged 56, clean-shaven, height 5ft. llin.,
eyes, greenish-grey.
For Brigadier General Intelligence.
Boat and Train Warrant, S. 6401. J. B. Tupper, Chicago Inter-Ocean."
Order to A.D.O. S. Army Stores, St. Omer. Issue to bearer, khaki officer's tunic 1,
khaki breeches 1, pair boots 1 pr., shirt 1, field service cap 1, puttees 1.
A. M. Hodgson, Major,
Camp Commandant, 2nd Corps.
To the Editor, Daily Mail. Chief Censor's Office,
Whitehall, Feb. 12, 1917.
The Chief Censor regrets that he is unable to pass enclosed. Allusions to Mr. Barnard
Claw's visit to the Front are against public policy at present.
[Extract from Times Parliamentary Report.]
May 9th, 1917.
Replying to Major Hunt (Shropshire, Ludlow, U.who enquired if the report that
Mr. Barnard Claw had visited the Front was correct and if so was this the gentleman who
advised British soldiers to shoot their officers, Mr. Macpherson (Ross and Cromartie,
L.) said
It is the accepted policy of the Government to ask distinguished publicists and authors
to visit the Front. In accordance with this policy Mr. Barnard Claw recently visited
the Front. I have always found that when any gentleman visits the Front he comes
back with an added desire to help the British Army and is proud of it. (Cheers.
Adelphi Terrace,
May 1st. 1922.
Sir,
Mr. Barnard Claw knows nothing whatever of the alleged incidents connected with
his visit to the Front in February, 1917, to which you refer in your letter of the 29th ult.,
nor of any communication made to Mr. Westerman. He strongly suspects you have
been hoaxed.
Yours truly,
N. D. Tittlebat,
Private Secretary.
When you have finished with this copy of the Ypres Times," pass it on to
a friend. If every member of the League obtained one more member there would
never be any more need to advertise. Will you help us
