HC Deb 24 May 1921 vol 142 cc35-6
12. Captain TERRELL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of British and Indian troops now in Mesopotamia; what reductions have been made since last July; what are contemplated; and whether there has been any trouble entailing military operations within the last three months?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As regards the first three parts of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave my hon. and gallant Friend on this subject on 12th May last. As regards the last part, the country has been quiet during the last three months, with the exception of slight tribal unrest in the Nasiriyeh area and among the Surchi Kurds in the Mosul Vilayet, which has called for military demonstrations on a small scale.

Captain TERRELL

Does that mean that there are the same number of Indian troops in Mesopotamia now as when the right hon. Baronet replied to me last time?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

replied with regard to British troops on the last occasion. There is a gradual reduction now taking place.

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