§ 80. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for War whether the 608,000 effective officers and men, given as the latest available figure for the Red Army of Soviet Russia in the League of Nations Armaments Year Book, includes the O.G.P.U. army; what is the strength of this force; and whether any 2275 later figures than 1927 are available in regard to the military forces of Soviet Russia?
§ Mr. SHAWThe League of Nations Year Book for 1930 shows that the O.G.P.U., or troops of the Staff Political Department, are included in the Red Army. The strength of this force is not disclosed. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of 16th June to the hon. and gallant Member for Abingdon (Major Glyn).
§ Commander BELLAIRSCan the right hon. Gentleman give any later figures than 1927, because we are always referred to the League of Nations Year Book?
§ Sir A. POWNALLDoes not this show the need of having a military attaché at Moscow?
§ Commander BELLAIRSIn view of the great importance of this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to find out what are the figures of the Soviet Army, either through the League of Nations or through ordinary channels?
§ Mr. SHAWI will do whatever I can in reason to give what information I can, but I have given the information at my disposal.
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not a fact that 9,000,000 trained reserves have passed through this army?
§ Mr. SHAWI have given all the information at my disposal, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the volume which I have mentioned.