§ 35. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Germans are now 400 miles south of the Portuguese border, and still moving south, he can state what number of white, Indian, and coloured troops are still maintained in the north, not fighting, in British and German East Africa, stating officers and men separately; and whether he will now consider the advisability of all British officers, save those in immediate command of the King's Royal Rifles and required for police work, being moved to some other theatre of war or put on half-pay?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am sorry that I cannot give the information asked for in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part of the question, my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that wherever there are troops there must also be such ancillary services as transport, ordnance, and intelligence, and I can assure him that no redundant officers or ancillary services are being maintained either in British, German, or Portuguese East Africa.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether there are unnecessary officers in British and German East Africa, as in neither Colony is there any fighting going on?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am told that there are no redundant officers there.