On This Day, 12 February 1918

Evening Despatch

Tuesday 12 February 1918

“MALICIOUS RUMOURS”

G. H. ROBERTS AND CONDUCT OF THE W.A.A.C.

Speaking at a W.A.A.C exhibition in London yesterday, Mr. G. H. Roberts, M.P., Minister of Labour, referred to the malicious rumours which have been circulated respecting the conduct of some women of that corps. He said that exhaustive investigations entitled them to assure the general public that there was no foundation for the allegations.

Nevertheless, in order further to reassure the public, he had that day authorised the appointment of six thoroughly representative women to go out to France to make their own investigation and report to the department concerned. Those rumours had their  origin in pro-German quarters, and it was necessary to scotch them, because they were part of a scheme to demoralise people.