HC Deb 08 December 1947 vol 445 cc760-1
11. Mr. M. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken by our military mission in Greece to advise the Greek Government on the necessity for special military tactics to deal with the guerillas and particularly for organising a system of home guards for the defence of the villages.

Mr. McNeil

The functions of the British military mission are confined to training and organisation; they do not give operational advice. The mission, however, have certainly urged the importance of freeing the Greek regular forces from static defence duties in villages and areas which have been cleared. To this end a National Defence Corps is being formed.

Mr. Philips Price

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any results have been observed in consequence of this reorganisation which has taken place?

Mr. McNeil

I will confine myself to saying that we know that some 20 battalions have been formed and that a similar number is in process of formation.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that most members of the Greek Government are far better experienced in guerilla warfare than our mission is ever likely to be?

Mr. McNeil

Even if I agreed, I do not think the Greek Government would extend to 20 battalions.