HC Deb 20 December 1928 vol 223 cc3219-20
64. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether care will be taken in next year's Rhineland manoeuvres to avoid the participation of British with French troops?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

No, Sir. If British troops are again invited to participate in' French manoeuvres the invitation will receive consideration in light of the conditions then prevailing.

Mr. RILEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that such participation is bound to cause resentment in Germany and is not calculated to promote peace?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No, Sir.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Does the right lion. Gentleman treat this whole matter as a joke?

Mr. RENNIE SMITH

Is this particular action in harmony with the military undertakings which we have made under the Locarno Pact.; and, if we are under obligations to assist the French in certain circumstances, are we not under equal obligations to assist the Germans?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Really these supplementary questions have nothing on earth to do with participation in the manoeuvres.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

The right hon. Gentleman is not taking this matter seriously. It is not a joke, but a very serious matter. He is cynical and flippant.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Before the right hon. Gentleman gives his consent to any such participation, will he consult his colleagues in the Cabinet?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Of course, the answer is that all considerations would be taken into account if the invitation is, in fact, repeated next year.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Why was that not done last time?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

It was.

Mr. SMITH rose

Mr. SPEAKER

All these questions can be raised to-day in the course of the Debate.