§ 10. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister what reply was received when inquiries were made at the Italian Foreign Office into the recent calling-up of 60,000 of the 1901 class, following the massing of the Fascist militia around Rome?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Ambassador has been informed that this is a purely administrative measure without political significance. I understand that the Igor class, which is the oldest class which was not engaged in the Great War, under- 924 went its military training at a time when conditions were abnormal and that it has been thought that some retraining of certain men of this class would be desirable. It is not unusual in Italy for men to be called up for training in this manner. The assembly of militia round Rome, to which the hon. Member refers, was occasioned by the usual celebration on 1st February of the anniversary of the foundation of the Fascist Militia.