HC Deb 07 November 1945 vol 415 cc1276-7
47. Mr. Warbey

asked the Prime Minister what is the approximate size of the combined Allied occupation Force in Austria.

Mr. H. Morrison

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister regrets that as stated in his reply to my hon. Friend on the 29th October, he is not in a position to give the information for which my hon. Friend asks.

Mr. Warbey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that very large figures have been published giving a very disturbing Impression, and would he not consider making a statement in order to allay this disquiet?

Mr. Morrison

The Government have had to consider this matter in relation to the inevitable consequences if we published figures for each theatre of war. There are objections to that course being followed. We have given the figure for those serving at home and the total figures for those abroad, but we think it would be against the public interest to publish the figures for particular theatres of war.

Mr. Eden

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would reconsider the matter? We are not at war now and all sorts of rumours are current, as to the size of these Forces, which are really harmful to our national interests. Would he reconsider the matter again with the Chiefs of Staff, because I cannot believe that there is any military reason why the figures should not be given? There would be great political advantage if they could be given.

Mr. Morrison

I am not so sure about political advantage. We will, of course, reconsider the matter from time to time. I gave some figures last week, which was a move in the direction desired. Although we are not at war we are living in a world of actual and potential difficulties and disturbances and we think that to publish the figures for particular theatres is undesirable at the moment.