45. Sir R.HUTCHSONasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information with regard to the isolation of the British area in Rhineland by Belgian and French troops; and whether communications between Cologne and Berlin have now to pass through a French or Belgian zone?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSI have been asked to reply. In regard to the first part of the question, I am not aware in what sense the hon. and gallant Member uses the word "isolation," but no interruption of military communications or other military inconvenience is caused to the British area by the circumstance that it is adjoined on three sides by areas occupied by other Allied troops. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Sir R, HUTCHISONIs it not a fact that Allied troops—French and Belgian—have occupied the neutral zone which used to be between the British area and the German area, contrary to the Treaty of Versailles, thereby cutting us off from direct access to Berlin without passing through the ranks of our Allies?