§ 7. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Minister of Defence the estimated strength in divisions of the armed forces of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United States of America, France and the United Kingdom, at present stationed in Germany, also those of East Germany.
§ Sir W. MoncktonWe estimate that there are twenty-two Soviet and seven East German divisions in East Germany. There are five United States and four United Kingdom divisions in West Germany. As regards French forces, as I explained to the right hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 8th February, it would not be appropriate for me to disclose information which, so far as I am aware, the French themselves have not disclosed.
§ Mr. HendersonIs the announced reduction of 30,000 men in the Soviet armed forces in Germany likely to result in any reduction in the size of the Western armed forces stationed in Germany?
§ Sir W. MoncktonWe estimate that the reduction would be of the order of one or two divisions, and I cannot say that that of itself would need a change in our forces.