Captain GUEST:

In answer to the first question, I personally investigated all the circumstances connected with the service of Observer-Officer Harold Smith in the Royal Air Force before he was called upon to resign his commission, and was satisfied that his retention as an officer was not desirable in view of the reports which had been received as to his conduct. In answer to the second and third questions, the incident referred to was the culminating offence which, taken by itself, might not have entailed upon the officer the call to resign his commission, but considered in conjunction with his previous record, which had necessitated his being placed under the strict supervision of his commanding officer on his return from India, indicated his unsuitability for retention as an office:. As regards the fourth question, the facts are that a fidelity guarantee company applied to the Air Ministry for confirmation of the statement that Mr. Smith had served in the Royal Air Force as an officer and inquired whether his service was entirely satisfactory. In accordance with their usual practice, the Ministry confined their reply to a confirmation of the fact that he had served as stated, and gave a reference to the "London Gazette." in which notice of his removal from the Air Force was published. No statement as to character was made. As regards the final question, I see no necessity for any further inquiry into the matter.