§ 77. Mr. COCKSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the pre-war system of attaching a number of German officers to the British Army and a number of British officers to the German Army has now been resumed; if so, to what extent; and whether he will give the reasons for the resumption of this practice at the present time?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)Yes, Sir. Three British officers are being attached to the Germany Army and three German officers to units of the British Army in the United Kingdom, the period of attachment being for six weeks. The grant of such facilities betwen the Powers is an ordinary act of international courtesy. The request from the German Government was received in October, 1934.
§ Mr. THORNECan the hon. Member say whether these officers are entitled to report to their respective Governments what they have seen?
§ Mr. HACKINGThat is one of the objects.
§ Mr. THORNEThen you know all about the German army?
§ Mr. HACKINGWe have just as much to gain by having British officers attached to the German Army as Germany has in having German officers attached to the British Army, and you cannot have one without the other.