§ 27 and 29. Colonel Sir S. HOAREasked the Prime Minister (1) whether the information contained in the German wireless of 10th June with reference to the progress of disarmament has now been checked by the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control; whether the Zeitfreiwilligen (Reichswehr Reserves) and Einwohnerwehren (Civic Guards) have actually been disbanded; what answer has been given to the German Government with reference to their request to retain the Sicherheitspolizei (armed constabulary);
(2) whether he is satisfied with the progress that has been made by the German Government in the surrender and destruction of artillery, machine guns, small arms, and small arms ammunition; and, if he is not satisfied, what steps are being taken by the Supreme Council to ensure the effective carrying out of the Peace Treaty in these respects?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control have not yet been able to report as to the truth of the statement made in the German wireless, but they are examining into it. Official orders have been issued by the German Government for the disbandment of the Reichswehr Reserves and Civic Guards, but these orders have not so far been completely obeyed. In regard to this subject, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by the Prime Minister in this House on the 29th April. Since then, some progress has been made, but this question, as my hon. and gallant Friend will have seen in the official communique from Hythe, is engaging earnest attention of the Allies.
§ Sir S. HOAREWill the right hon. Gentleman let the House know as soon as the inter-Allied Commission has reported whether the conditions have been carried out in view of the great anxiety which prevails on the subject?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNot only this Government, but all the Allied Govern- 1732 ments attach the utmost importance to the complete disarmament of Germany.
§ 28. Sir S. HOAREasked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken by the German Government to carry out the terms of the Peace Treaty with reference to the surrender and destruction of aircraft?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSON (Parliamentary Secretary, War Office)I have been asked to reply. This matter was raised on the 15th instant, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies which my right hon. Friend then gave to questions put by the hon. Member for Dulwich (Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. Hall).
§ Sir S. HOAREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the previous answer was by no means a definite one, and can he not add anything to it?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONNo, Sir, I cannot.