§ 34. Mr. WATERSONasked the Secretary for War how many 1914 and 1915 men have been demobilised from North Russia since the Armistice and the approximate number still waiting for demobilisation; if troops are going to Russia for relief purposes or reinforcement; and if he will state the approximate number of troops who were in the North Russian area on Armistice day and also the approximate number to-day?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs regards the first part of the question, the total number of men demobilised from North Russia since the Armistice is 1,625. I am unable to say how many of these are 1914– 1915 men. The approximate number still awaiting demobilisation is 2,700. As regards the second part of the question, with the exception of a few volunteers, no troops are being sent to North Russia. With regard to the third part of the question, it would not be in the public interest to disclose 756 the figures asked for by my hon. Friend, as portions of our troops in North Russia are in contact with the enemy. The withdrawal of the tired troops is proceeding according to programme. The Royal Scots have already sailed for home and various other units are following.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Armies of the Soviet Government.
§ Mr. WATERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that within the last two-months men have been sent to Russia who have not volunteered, but have been conscripted; and seeing that pledges have been given that men would not go except those who have volunteered, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have these men brought back?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should like to know of these cases.
§ Mr. WATERSONI have cases.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is possible there may be a few individual cases where experts of technical corps, sanitary corps, and other special branches— a handful of individuals— may have been compelled to go, but I cannot be certain. If a special case is brought to my notice I will look into it, but in principle no one has been sent to Russia who has not volunteered to go.