§ 5. Commander WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any additional battalions of Soudanese troops have been raised in the Soudan during the War; and, if not, why such action has not yet been taken in view of their suitability for fighting in Mesopotamia?
§ Lord R. CECILNo, Sir. For local reasons of a convincing nature, it has not been considered desirable to raise additional battalions of these troops during the War.
§ Commander WEDGWOODMay I ask whether that opinion will be reconsidered or is it to hold good for all time no matter how the conditions alter?
§ Lord R. CECILI should not like to prophesy that any decision of that character must hold good for all time.
§ Commander WEDGWOODWhen was that opinion come to?
§ Lord R. CECILI should require notice of that. It has been considered for some time.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre the local reasons likely to be changed?
§ Lord R. CECILI cannot say.
§ 40. Sir EDWIN CORNWALLasked to what extent the Army in Mesopotamia is now being supplied with winter comforts, either by the Government or from private sources?
§ Mr. FORSTERWarm clothing, mackintosh capes, etc., have been dispatched in large numbers to Mesopotamia. I also understand that the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations is in constant touch with Basra, and has supplied and forwarded from time to time all the comforts which he has been asked to provide.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that large numbers mean necessary numbers?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs far as I know.
§ Sir J JARDINECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether limejuice and fresh vegetables are included, especially in garrisons where scurvy is said to have broken out?
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not think that the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations would be responsible for the dispatch of vegetables, and they ought to be supplied by the Regular Army Service. As far as I know, as abundant a supply as we can manage is being sent.
§ Sir J. JARDINEAnd limejuice?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, Sir. Every possible precaution is being taken.