HC Deb 15 February 1939 vol 343 cc1704-5
31. Mr. W. Roberts

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the strength of the Italian army in Libya on 16th April, 1938; when the strength of that army was reduced by one half as compared with that date; and how far it has been reinforced since?

Mr. Butler

According to information received from the Italian Government, the numerical strength of the Italian forces in Libya last April was between 65,000 and 70,000. There is reason to believe that die signature of the Anglo-Italian Agreement was followed by a marked reduction of effectives and, as the Prime Minister informed the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) on 8th February, the information then just received from the Italian Government was that the numerical strength of the Italian forces at present in Libya is between 30,000 and 32,000.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is there any reason to think there has been substitution by German forces for the Italian forces in Libya?

Mr. Butler

I have no such information.

Mr. Attlee

As this was a definite term of the Anglo-Italian Agreement, is there any regular means of ascertaining the definite number of the troops in Libya?

Mr. Butler

There is provision in the Agreement for the exchange of military information.

Mr. Attlee

If it is a term of the Agreement that there should be definite reduction by a definite number, have steps been taken to ascertain whether it has been carried out?

Mr. Butler

There have been exchanges of information, and I have just given the House the figures that the Italian Government have communicated to us as to the Italian forces at present in Libya. I have also given to the House the strength of the Italian forces last April.

Mr. A. Henderson

Is there any reason to believe that the Italian Government have sent further troops to Libya since the reply was given to my question last week?

Mr. Butler

I have given the House the latest information given just before I answered the question on 8th February. I have had no information since then.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Has the hon. Gentleman any information to establish what is regarded as the peace-time strength of the Italian Army in Libya?