HC Deb 02 May 1922 vol 153 cc1140-1
13. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of British troops still stationed in Silesia; what is the expenditure involved; and if he will state the purpose for which this force is retained there?

Sir R. SANDERS

The number is 4,500 all ranks. In regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies respectively given yesterday by myself to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull and on 15th March last, on behalf of the Prime Minister, to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for East Fife.

Sir F. HALL

Do the replies to which the hon. Gentleman refer cover the last part of my question—for what purpose these forces are still being retained there?

Sir R. SANDERS

If my hon. and gallant Friend will read the answer I think he will see.

Sir F. HALL

But does the answer contain that information?

Sir R. SANDERS

I think it does.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

Who pays for these troops? Are we paying for them up till now?

Sir R. SANDERS

If the hon. Gentleman will read the answer given yesterday I think he will see that.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, without making any charge against the British troops, it is the case so long as they are in Upper Silesia there will be trouble; will the War Office use its best endeavours to bring these troops back?

Sir R. SANDERS

My information is exactly the opposite. Their presence there makes for peace.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

Are there not other parts of the world in which these men could be much more usefully employed?