HC Deb 30 March 1938 vol 333 cc1970-2
2. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have appointed military observers in China and Spain; and when were such appointments made?

Mr. Butler

There are no military observers in China or Spain appointed as such by His Majesty's Government. There are, however, on the staff of His Majesty's Embassy and resident in China, a Military Attaché and an Air Attaché, together with an Assistant Military Attaché. The dates of appointment of these officers are 13th November, 1934, 11th September, 1936, and 12th March, 1938, respectively. There are equally Assistant Military and Air Attachés on the staff of His Majesty's Minister at Barcelona, who were appointed respectively on 7th October and 18th December, 1936.

Mr. Davidson

Do the military attachés or other officers report regularly to the Government on the effects of modem warfare, and do they give any guidance to the Government in regard to those matters?

Mr. Butler

I think that these officers can be relied upon to discharge their duties in the manner suggested.

Mr. Davidson

I think I am entitled to an answer to my question. I am asking a specific question. Do they report regularly to His Majesty's Government with regard to the effect of modern warfare in the particular place where they are located?

Mr. Butler

I said that they discharge their duties in the manner suggested. I thought that was an answer to the hon. Member as he suggested the manner.

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

Will the Government consider the advisability of appointing a military attaché to General Franco's forces in order to study the offensive?

Mr. Butler

This question has been under consideration.

Mr. A. Henderson

May I ask where these military attachés are located?

Mr. Butler

In Spain they are attached to His Majesty's Minister at Barcelona, that is, their headquarters, and in the case of China they are attached to the staff of His Majesty's Embassy.

Mr. Davidson

May I not have an answer to my question? I think it is disgraceful that we should have such a reply as has been given.

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