§ Mr. ASHLEYasked what are the developments in organisation which have caused the position of High Commissioner and Field-Marshal Commanding in-Chief in the Mediterranean to assume increased importance, and whether all troops outside the British Isles and India will be included in the command; and, if not, what countries are excluded?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe result of the Imperial Defence Conference has been to show that an opportunity exists for a better and more comprehensive organisation of the military forces of the Crown wherever they may be stationed. Without going into details, it has become evident that there is more work to do locally than can be done by the authorities at headquarters, including the Inspector-General of Forces. It is therefore important that the various sub-divisions of the problem of Imperial Defence as a whole should be studied on the spot by officers of high standing and wide experience, who have time at their disposal fully to consider the questions involved. Moreover, in the case of the Mediterranean command, there is the inspection of the regular forces throughout Africa, and the giving of military advice to the local authorities. It is not possible at present to foresee or define the extent to which such duties may expand in the future, but the Defence Conference has so modified the situation that large possibilities of work and organisation are opening themselves up. All troops outside the British Isles and India will not be included in the Mediterranean command, the duties and limitations of which I have already indicated in general terms.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAre we to understand this command is to have the whole of the troops in Africa under its power instead of having only the Mediterranean, as in former years?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe hon. Member cannot have listened to what I have said. I was referring to the work of inspection. That was the expression I used. This Commander-in-Chief will inspect the Regular Forces.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDo I understand Lord Kitchener will inspect the forces in South Africa?