§ 81. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for War the approximate numbers of the military forces of France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Great Britain, respectively, differentiating between the existing standing armies in each case and the number of men in reserve who would be called to the colours in the event of a declaration of war?
§ Captain KINGAs the answer is in tabular form, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan the Financial Secretary say generally whether the standing army of Russia is larger than that of any other State?
§ Captain KINGIf the hon. Member will look at the written reply, he will find full details.
§ Following id the answer:
§ The figures for the standing armies represent authorised strengths; the figures for the subsidiary forces must be regarded as approximate only and they comprise troops of widely varying 49 character as regards training and organisation.
| Country. | Standing Army. | Subsidiary Forces. |
| France (including the Colonial Army.) | 654,000* | 5,100,000 |
| Germany | 100,000 | Nil. (The Treaty of Versailles prohibits the maintenance of any reserve in Germany.) |
| Italy (including the Colonial Army). | 250,000 | 3,065,000 |
| Russia | 634,000* | 8,426,000 |
| Great Britain | 159,400† | 309,000† |
| * Includes the Air Force which is part of the Army. | ||
| †Establishments in 1926 Estimates. |