HC Deb 27 November 1928 vol 223 cc215-6
23. Commander WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the total numbers of officers and men in the French, British, American, Japanese, and Italian armies on 31st July, 1914, and 31st July, 1928?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I am having a statement prepared, which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

75. Commander WILLIAMS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the total numbers of the personnel of the British, French, American, Japanese arid Italian navies on the 31st July, 1914, and the 31st July, 1928?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

The figures are as follow, in round thousands. The precise figures will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT:

Great Britain (not including Dominions), 15th July, 1914, 146,000; 15th July, 1928, 101,000. United States of America, 1914, 67,000; 1928, 113,000. Japan, 1914, 50,000; 1928, 85,000. France,1914, 69,000; 1928, 62,000.Italy, 1914, 40,000; 1928, 46,000.

Commander WILLIAMS

In view of the figures which my right hon. Friend has just given, will he point out to certain other Powers that we have done more than most other nations in reducing our Services at the present time, and, further, will he make certain that before larger and heavier reductions are made our position will be absolutely secure?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am always trying to point out that we have done more in the direction of disarmament than any other country, and, as regards the future, I will do my best to see that this country is secure.

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

Will the right lion. Gentleman do his best to discourage dangerous anti-American propaganda among his own followers?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I presume that the hon. Gentleman refers to this question.

Mr. BENN

And many others.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

There is no harm in telling the truth.

Following are the precise figures:

15th July, 1914. 15th July, 1928.
Great Britain (not including Dominions). 146,047* 101,354*
1914. 1928.
U.S.A. 67,258 113,685
Japan 50,645 85,000
France 69,585 62,000
Italy 40,023 46,000
* Dominions not included. Their figures would be:—

1914 … 5,000 approximately.
1928 … 8,300 approximately.