§ 64. Colonel WEDGWOODasked 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. RILEYDoes 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-EVANSNo, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right lion. Gentleman treat this whole matter as a joke?
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHIs 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-EVANSReally these supplementary questions have nothing on earth to do with participation in the manoeuvres.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe 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 WEDGWOODBefore the right hon. Gentleman gives his consent to any such participation, will he consult his colleagues in the Cabinet?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSOf course, the answer is that all considerations would be taken into account if the invitation is, in fact, repeated next year.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhy was that not done last time?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt was.
§ Mr. SPEAKERAll these questions can be raised to-day in the course of the Debate.