الحرة
}
544
however the only one that has engaged the attention of Mr. Pollock; and his suggestions of mal-administration in the Medical Department, becoming more pronounced as his interrogatories progress, culminate in his questions of the 3rd August and 5th October 1916 Hansard pages 39 and 48, in a direct attack upon Dr. Johnson, the Principal Civil Medical Officer.
12.
My statement of the 17th October, in vindic- ation of Dr. Johnson, was based upon the most careful personal investigation into every detail which came, directly or indirectly, into notice through Mr. Pollock's insinuations. I referred in that statement to the rancor- ous jealousy aroused against Dr. Johnson by reason of his acceptance of his appointment. I may here add that Dr. Johnson's coming was received with a bitter hostility by certain partizans of Dr. Bell who were connected or fancied themselves to be connected in one way or another with the Medical Department, a hostility which was certain- ly not mitigated, on Dr. Johnson's arrival, by the fact of his immediate intolerance of old custom and practice of which he disapproved.
13.
I am satisfied that Dr. Johnson has not received from some members of his staff that loyal support to which he is entitled. Indeed I have just received evidence of acts of disloyalty on the part of one member of the staff upon which I shall address you at a later date. I cannot at present bring definite facts in proof of actual instigation or prompting of Mr. Pollock, but the inference drawn from many incidents in connection with the department
is irresistible, and it is evident from the nature of his
questions that much information concerning the routine of the department must leak out to him either directly or
indirectly.
14.