§ 7. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary of State for India what Indian troops, if any, are still at Hodeidah; why they are still there: whether they are shortly to be withdrawn; and whether any trade is possible between the town of Hodeidah and the interior of Yemen?
§ The ADDITIONAL PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)The garrison at Hodeidah, which was temporarily increased at the time of the detention of Colonel Jacob's mission, has now been reduced to one battalion of Indian infantry, which is being retained for the present at the desire of the inhabitants. 2177 I have no reason to believe that there is any impediment to trade between the town of Hodeidah and the interior of the Yemen.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman toll me why he answers this question, and not the India Office? Is Hodeidah in charge of the Foreign Office?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI answer this question because it concerns the Government policy in the Foreign Office zone.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREDocs the Foreign Office zone now extend throughout the Red Sea as far as Aden?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must decline to answer any question dealing with boundaries.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether Hodeidah is managed from Cairo or India?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIn so far as this question is concerned, it is managed from the Foreign Office.