HC Deb 04 March 1925 vol 181 c406
16. Mr. L. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many coloured troops is France now employing in the Rhineland or other portions of occupied German territory; and what is the nationality of these coloured troops-as regards the African contingents?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I naturally cannot undertake to give precise information regarding the composition and distribution of foreign troops. I understand. however, that, while no coloured troops are employed by France in the Ruhr. there are in the Rhineland approximately 19,000. Of these, about 18,000 are natives of Algeria and Tunis, while the remainder are natives of Indo-China.

Mr. MACKINDER

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a report reached this country recently as to a white woman being disgracefully ill-treated by some of these Moroccan troops, and will he try and get information for the House as to the accuracy of that statement?.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no information.

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