HC Deb 21 November 1938 vol 341 cc1309-10
11. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the demobilisation of the German Army; and whether he will state what degree of demobilisation has taken place since the end of September?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

While my Noble Friend has no official information on this subject, there is good reason to believe that the German Army is now at peace strength and that the reservists specially called up have been released.

Mr. MacMillan

Can the Minister inform the House exactly what is the source of that information?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Do the Government base their policy of good faith and reason upon unofficial information?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Gentleman must realise that the Government information is sound.

Mr. MacMillan

Will the hon. Gentleman, in the interests of good relations and good faith between this country and Germany, try to procure information from official German sources?

Mr. Butler

I appreciate the hon. Member's interest in the matter. He may take it that the information which I have given him is correct.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is there any difficulty in the way of inquiring from German authorities whether they have or have not carried out demobilisation?

Mr. Butler

Perhaps the hon. Member will do me the honour of reading my answer. From it he will see the information I have given, for which I take the responsibility.