§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the 2914W number of soldiers in Mesopotamia eligible for demobilisation; and whether he can give an assurance that these men and those who have been in Mesopotamia for any length of time will be brought home before the hot season commences?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of men surplus to Army of Occupation requirements in Mesopotamia on 1st March, 1919, was 32,034. I would refer my right hon. Friend to the statement I made in the House on the 25th February last, which dealt fully with the question of men in the East. I regret it is not possible to give any assurance that these men will all be brought home before the hot season commences. As many as possible have been brought home subject to the requirements of the minimum garrisons.