§ 29. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement respecting operations north of Aden; and whether he will give the name of the general officer commanding the Indo-British force there?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThere is no material change in the situation at Aden. The Turks remain in possession of Lahej, but ever since they were driven out of Sheikh 'Othman, in July, 1915, they have made no serious effort to resume an offensive. Military operations are confined to small outpost affairs and patrol encounters, while the enemy is continually harassed by our artillery and aeroplanes.
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the number of Turks that are there?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am afraid that I cannot answer that. I will endeavour to obtain the information for my hon. and gallant Friend if he will put down a question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhy is no answer given to the latter part of the question? Is the name of the commanding officer Sir John Stewart?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes—Major-General J. M. Stewart, C.B.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill my right hon. Friend inquire of Lieutenant-General Smuts what the career of this officer was in East Africa? May I have an answer to that?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCertainly.
§ Colonel YATEIs it not possible to drive out these Turks and get rid of them?