§ 81. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for War whether free passes are given by the War Office overland to officers on leave at home from Egypt, while officers of the Indian Army at home on leave from Aden or Mesopotamia are refused free passes overland by the India Office and have to proceed to Marseilles at their own expense; whether officers on leave from Aden or Mesopotamia are forbidden by the India Office to wear uniform during any part of the return journey, thus necessitating passports and much extra luggage and trouble; whether the same order is enforced by the War Office in the case of officers returning from leave to Egypt; and, if not, whether the India Office will conform to the War Office rules in this matter?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Officers from Aden or Mesopotamia normally proceed by sea, but are allowed to make private arrangements for travelling overland. As they travel overland in a private capacity they are not allowed to wear uniform.
§ Colonel YATEWhy should there be any difference in the case of officers for Aden or Mesopotamia and those for Egypt in wearing uniform?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware that there is.