§ 1. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Under-Secretary of State for 1918 India what is the strength of the British Army in India now and what was it at the same date in 1937?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for India (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)The strength of the British Army in India on 1st July 1939, was 2,630 officers and 37,668 other ranks; on the corresponding date in 1937 it was 3,052 officers and 52,387 other ranks.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs this not an enormous reduction of strength?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadYes, Sir, it is a considerable reduction. Partly it is due to the abolition of holding and partly to the actual transfer of units. It is done in the general Defence interests, and thanks are due to the military authorities in India for the ready co-operation they have given in this matter.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI could not say that.
§ 2. Sir A. Knoxasked the Under-secretary of State for India whether any further reduction in the strength of the British Army in India has been decided upon, and, if so, what?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadYes, Sir. It has been decided that one British cavalry regiment will revert to home establishment without relief during the next trooping season.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill there be any further reduction in the infantry?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI could not say that, offhand. No reduction is contemplated at the moment.