§ 31. Mr. MANDERasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether arrangements will he made for those British troops which formed part of the international force in the Saar to take a prominent part in the military review on the occasion of the celebration of the Jubilee of the King's accession, in view of the service which these troops have rendered to the cause of peace?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)The only special arrangements with regard to these troops are those already announced for the 22nd and 28th of this month when two battalions will march across London. The troops will take part in the Jubilee celebrations which may be arranged at their stations, but will not be specially brought to Aldershot for the review of the troops of that Command.
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the unanimity of feeling in this country as to the great service rendered by these troops, will not the Financial Secretary give further consideration to this point?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe review at Aldershot is not a review of the Army as a whole, but a review of the troops under the Aldershot Command, and in any event I would remind the hon. Member that, while we all must appreciate the great success of this unique experience in the Saar, it has always been the main desire and endeavour of His Majesty's troops to maintain peace and never to create friction.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREDoes not the Financial Secretary think that any other British troops would have done equally well?
§ Mr. HACKINGThat is the gist of the answer I have given.