§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the statements attributed to Lord Rawlinson at a meeting with Indian newspaper correspondents as to the need for increasing the Indian Army; whether he has been in communication with Lord Rawlinson on the matter; and if he has any statement to make to the House?
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§ Mr. MONTAGUMy attention has been called to the statements attributed to Lord Rawlinson regarding the need for increasing the Indian Army. I have been in communication with the Government of India on the subject, and find that Lord Rawlinson made no such statement. He said that he had done his utmost to reduce the cost of the Army. He did not suggest either directly or indirectly that the present strength of the Army was insufficient. When questioned as to the possibility of further reductions, he pointed out that there was obviously a limit below which he, as Military Adviser to the Government, could not recommend a reduction.