HC Deb 09 November 1920 vol 134 cc977-8
13. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Secretary of State for War if all the British and Indian troops have now left Hodeida and every other part of the East Coast of the Red Sea.

Mr. CHURCHILL

There are no British troops now on the East Coast of the Red Sea. There is one battalion of Indian infantry at Hodeida.

Sir A. FELL

May I ask whether this unfortunate episode cannot be closed and our troops and the Indian troops withdrawn entirely, and whether it would not be possible to use the whole of the British armies and resources in Arabia without any permanent result?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I find it difficult to answer that question by a supplementary reply. Decisions as to where we are to have troops for military action do not rest with the War Office.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

When is the British Government going to clear up the situation in Yemen by sending a mission to the Imam at Sannar, and arriving at a peace between him and Idrissi and those who are our friendly tribes?

Mr. SPEAKER

The House would like to see these names in print.