38. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether the German military forces are now in excess of the strength allowed under the Treaty of Versailles; and whether the German Government have carried out the requirements of the Treaty as regards the abolition of the great German general staff and similar organisations?
§ Mr. CLYNESTo the best of my information the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, so far as the regular German military forces are concerned. As regards the latter part of the question, the great German general staff has been abolished and there is now a single Ministry of Defence which, however, includes a general staff section.
Sir F. HALLWhen the right hon. Gentleman uses the words "the regular German military forces," does he mean the troops that have now been provided are not in excess of the Versailles Treaty?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Government are far from being satisfied with respect to the point covered in the first part of my answer.
Sir F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to get in touch with the German Government to see that they carry out the most important. Clauses; and what steps do the Government intend to take to see that the Treaty in enforced?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe terms of the second part of my reply raise a point of law which I am unable at the moment to answer.
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman say how it comes about that the Government are the only people who do not know these facts?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINAre not many socalled patriotic societies running a regular military control in Germany?
§ Mr. CLYNESThat is covered by the first part of my reply.