§ 8. Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total membership of the German steel-helmets and Nazi storm-troop organisations; whether he is aware that these troops can be quickly diverted to military activities; and what action he proposes, in view of the existence of this number of potential military effectives beyond what is allowed to Germany under the peace treaty?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)As regards the first part of this question, I have no precise official information re- 1205 garding the total membership of these organisations. As regards the second and third parts, the hon. Member will be aware that the question of potential military effectives is now under discussion by the Disarmament Conference.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs this particular subject of German effectives under discussion? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what the Government's policy is in this matter?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe whole question comes within the discussion of one of the Articles of the Draft Convention which is now being discussed at Geneva.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXCannot the right hon. Gentleman threaten to cancel the trade agreement with Germany?
§ Mr. ATTLEEMay I ask whether any steps will be taken by the Government pending a decision of the Disarmament Conference, or are these effectives to be piled up meanwhile?
§ 12. Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of men called up for compulsory labour service in Germany; and whether he is aware that it is proposed to merge these labour conscipts into military units?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am not aware that anyone has yet been called up under the compulsory labour service scheme recently announced in Germany to come into force on the 1st of January, 1934, nor that this scheme involves such a proposal as that mentioned in the second part of the question.