§ 81. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary of State for War the strength of the British Army of Occupation in Germany; and whether its withdrawal is contemplated?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)The strength of the British Army of the Rhine, excluding the small detachment in the Saar district, on 1st April last was approximately 5,850. As regards the answer to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Noel Buxton) on 9th February last.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this Army of Occupation has been in Germany for 10 years, and, with his knowledge of modern history, can he point to a single case where a conquering army has remained so long in a conquered country; and, if not, will he do his best to get this Army removed?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat will involve an excursion into Roman history.