§ 39. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Secretary of State for War whether a brigade has been or is being formed for service at Khartoum; whether such brigade contains one or more battalions of white troops, some of whom have served for over two years in the War without home leave, and are eligible for immediate demobilisation; and if he will say what are the exigencies of the Service that require the dispatch of veterans of the War to Khartoum?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo brigade has been or is being formed specially for service at Khartoum, the garrison of which will be the same as the pre-war garrison, i.e., one British battalion. The men of the battalion selected who are due for demobilisation will be released under the same conditions as all others in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, and there are no special exigencies of the Service which would require the retention in the Sudan of men eligible for demobilisation. These men will be brought home as soon as the drafts to replace them and the necessary shipping can be made available.