§ 79. Sir C. YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to enlist the Assyrian refugees in Mesopotamia in the local Mesopotamian forces; how many have been enlisted up to the present time; and how many are considered to be fit for enlistment?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. E. Wood)Recruitment of Assyrians for the local levies is proceeding. The High Commissioner reported some time ago that 250 recruits had been obtained. I do not doubt that the number is now considerably greater; but I am awaiting full 602 details by despatch. The total number of Kurdish and Assyrian levies which it is proposed ultimately to raise is 2,500.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre they being used in Southern Palestine?
§ Mr. WOODI am afraid that I cannot add anything to what my right hon. Friend said in his speech recently.