§ 34. Sir F. WISEasked the Secretary of State for War the total Allied forces of occupation along the Rhine, with the numbers of the forces of the respective countries?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAccording to the latest information received, the number of Allied troops on the Rhine was as follows: British, on 1st July, 7,318; French, on 1st June, 56,569; Belgian, on 10th June, 6,381.
§ Mr. PONSONBYCan the right hon. Gentleman say how that total compares with the total of the German garrison in the same locality before the War?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI cannot, without notice.
Sir F. HALLWho is bearing the cost of the maintenance of the British troops on the Rhine? Is it being borne by Germany?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is part of the reparation arrangement. It is rather a complicated matter to explain in answer to a question, but there is a grant-in-aid to Army funds from that source.
§ Mr. TREVELYANCan the right hon. Gentleman say if these figures show any reduction on the numbers last year, and, if so, how much?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI cannot, without notice. There is a reduction, but I cannot say the amount, without notice.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODHow is it that, if Germany is bearing this burden, the workers in Germany can get a better lot than the British workers, who are supposed to have defeated the Germans in the late War?