§ 125. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has taken to reduce to the lowest possible level the number of men serving in the Far East, particularly in Burma; if it is proposed further to reduce the number of British troops in this area in the near future; and if he will give an assurance that the number of personnel is constantly kept under review with a view to its reduction.
§ Mr. BellengerThe number of British troops in South-East Asia has been reduced as quickly as possible. As already announced all British troops will have left foreign territory there by the end of the month. In Burma and Malaya local forces are being raised which will, I hope, carry out many of the tasks which now fall to British troops. By the end of 255W the year the number of troops in South-East Asia will have been reduced to a third of what it was at the beginning of the year. Further reductions will take place in the near future as the strength of our forces is kept continually under review.