§ 48. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the consideration promised some weeks ago, he is now in a position to inform the House whether Marshal Foch has been invited to take part in the official Peace celebrations; and whether a similar invitation is being extended to include detachments of the various units of the French Army and Navy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt has not been found possible to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend.
§ Sir M. BRITTAINIs it not possible to find some occasion to give London an opportunity to welcome the troops of our gallant Ally, France?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sure my hon. Friend realises that it is a difficult thing to make these arrangements. Everything has been considered. The French celebration is on 14th July, and it would really be impossible to have suitable arrangements made with our Allied troops the same time as our own.
§ Mr. HOUSTONCan it not be arranged that the French soldiers who are taking part at the tournament at Olympia should, take part in the procession?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not shut the door against such a proposal. Everyone would be glad to welcome the troops of our Allies and to do anything they could to recognise the community of fighting.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre our troops being represented at the Paris celebrations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOh, yes; but it is very easy to have a complete display in Paris, because troops of all the Allies are in France. It is a very different thing to make arrangements here.