§ 15. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the last Report issued by the French War Department; and if he will inform the House what is the present active and reserve strength of the various branches of the Army of the French Republic?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I presume the hon. Member refers to the Report of the Finance Commission on the 1925 Budget for the French Army. My attention has been called to this Report. As the information asked for in the second part of the question contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. THURTLECould the right hon. Gentleman tell me simply what is the total strength of the acting Reserve of the French Army?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSYes. I am giving the details in the answer, but the total of the Active is 686,000 and of the Reserve, worked out on a certain basis, which I have explained in the answer, 5,280,000.
§ Following is the information promised:
§ The present active and reserve strengths of the French Army are shown in the following table by branches of the Service. In calculating the reserve strengths, a mobilisation affecting 20 classes has been assumed.
| Arm of Service. | Active Strength. | Reserve Strength. |
| Infantry | 380,000 | 2,776,000 |
| Cavalry | 55,000 | 616,000 |
| Artillery | 104,000 | 944,000 |
| Engineers | 30,000 | 280,000 |
| Air Service | 40,000 | 200,000 |
| Intendance and Administrative. | 57,000 | 464,000 |
| War Office, Staff, etc. | 10,000 | — |
| Military Schools | 10,000 | — |
| Total | 686,000 | 5,280,000 |