§ Mr. SWANasked tin Secretary of State for India what is the estimated or actual cost of expeditions beyond Mesopotamia in which Indian troops leave been employed since 11th November, 1918?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have been asked to reply. The expenditure on these expeditions is not separated from other Mesopotamian expenditure. The accounts are in India, and I regret I am not able to estimate the cost.
§ Mr. SWANasked the Secretary of State for India whether arty Indian troops have been, or still are operating in Persia or Turkestan; if so, whether their numbers can be stated; what are the objects aimed at by such expeditions; and whether it is intended to continue or withdraw them?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have been asked to reply. As regards Persia, I would refer to my answer on the 4th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull. There are no Indian troops in Turkestan at present. A small force—approximately 1,200 Indian troops—was at Merv, but evacuated Turkestan in August last. They were sent to Merv to counteract Bolshevik aggression and to prevent Bolshevik penetration into Persia and Afghanistan.