§ 25. Sir CHARLES HUNTERasked how many men France maintains in her oversea Dominions by means of voluntary enlistment; and how many divisions she maintains in France by means of conscription?
§ Colonel SEELYIn time of peace France maintains a Colonial army of 55,000 Europeans for service in her oversea Dominions, by means of voluntary enlistment. She has, in addition, a native Colonial army of 64,000 men, the majority of whom are voluntarily enlisted. Including Algeria, eight Cavalry divisions and forty-four Infantry divisions are maintained by conscription.
§ Sir C. HUNTERIs compulsory service in France in any way affected by voluntary enlistment?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is a very large question. I think there can be no doubt that if we look at European countries, including France, it will be found that the system of conscription does not favour the enlistment of large oversea forces for service in time of peace.
§ Sir C. HUNTERWhy is it that the French can keep 65,000 men abroad?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a subject for discussion, not for question and answer.