§ 14. Brigadier Lowasked the Secretary of State for War what was the total strength of Egyptian army units employed on the defence of the Suez Canal in May and June, 1941, when there was believed to be an imminent threat of an airborne attack on the canal zone by Germany and, in particular, how many were antiaircraft troops and how many infantry and ground artillery; and what was the number of British, including Indian and Dominion troops, stationed near the canal at that time.
§ Mr. LawsonAs regards the first part of the Question it would be improper to disclose the strengths of foreign Armed Forces at any given date since this is a matter for the foreign Government concerned, but as far as the second part of the Question is concerned I am taking 169 steps to obtain such information as is available from our records and as soon as this is received I will write to the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Brigadier LowIs not the information for which I have asked in the first part of my Question available in the ordinary records of the War Office, and can it not therefore be disclosed?
§ Mr. LawsonAs I have said, we think it would be improper to disclose the strength of foreign Armed Forces at any particular time.
§ Brigadier LowHas the right hon. Gentleman asked the Egyptian Government if he might make this disclosure?
§ Mr. LawsonNo, Sir.
§ Brigadier LowWill he do so?