HC Deb 01 July 1924 vol 175 cc1113-4
21. Brigadier-General SPEARS

asked the Secretary of State for War how often the Inter-Allied Military Committee at Versailles met during the month of May; and what questions were dealt with by it or referred to it?

Major ATTLEE

The Committee met in plenary session twice in May and dealt with such matters as the State factories in Austria and Hungary, the working of the military control in those countries, the organisation of the Bulgarian gendarmerie and the enrolment of cadet officers at the Military Academy at Sofia. I would, however, add that it is impossible to measure the volume of work of the Committee by the number of sessions held. Most of its work lies in the preliminary study of the questions to be brought before it in session.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is not this the class of work that is being carried out by the Ambassadors' Conference, and is it necessary to keep on this Committee?

Brigadier-General SPEARS

Does the hon. Member think that we derive any benefit by the maintenance of this body, which is not under our own General Staff nor under the French General Staff, but under the orders of Marshal Foch, whose views on military questions are well known?

Major ATTLEE

As these questions raise a matter of policy, I cannot answer.