§ 9 and 10. Mr. RONALD ROSSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether he is aware of the proposed addition to the armed forces of the Irish Free State; and whether he can give any particulars as to the numbers, arms, and uniform of the proposed new force;
(2) whether he has any knowledge as to the purpose of the proposed increase of armaments by the Irish Free State; and what is its effect with relation to violation of Article 8 of the Treaty?
The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I have seen reports of statements made on behalf of the Free State Government regarding the proposed organisation of a new volunteer force in the Irish Free State, as part of a scheme for a reorganisation of the Defence Force on the basis of a small army backed by a volunteer force. According to the above statements it is contemplated that the new force should consist of all arms with a uniform of a grey-green colour and be organised on a basis roughly corresponding to that of the territorial force in this country. I have no definite information as to the in- 914 tended size of the new volunteer force, but I understand that a possible immediate strength of 10,000 has been mentioned. No question involving Article 8 of the Treaty would seem to arise so long as the total forces maintained by the Government of the Irish Free State are within the limits contemplated by that Article.
§ Mr. ROSSDoes the right hon. Gentleman know on what pattern that uniform is designed; and, further, can he say whether this scheme does not involve a very material increase in the armed forces of the Irish Free State?
Mr. THOMASI have answered on the information at my disposal at the moment. I do not contemplate it as being a violation of the Article mentioned.