HC Deb 03 June 1919 vol 116 cc1848-9W
Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a petition has been handed to the signal-officer-in-chief, 1st Echelon, Egypt, which called for the early demobilisation of all eligible men; whether the petitioners stated that they desired the reply to roach their appointed delegates by the 11th instant in order that it might be submitted to an executive representing all units and which was chosen at a mass meeting held at Kantara; whether 10,000 men from all units are solemnly pledged to adopt any measures necessary to enforce a satisfactory reply; whether a reply has been given; and whether this situation has been fully considered by the Cabinet?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am not aware of the petition referred to, but understand that there has been a certain amount of unrest as regards demobilisation. This is being dealt with, and 1914 and 1915 men are being dispatched from Egypt approximately as follows:

1914 men, 14,000 in May, and 12,000 in June; 1915 men, 12,000 in June, and 18,000 in July.

Mr. WATERSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any steps are being taken to withdraw the 1914–15 men of the l/4th Northamptonshire Regiment from Egypt, and also men of similar service in the Far East; and when they may be expected back?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Men who enlisted in 1914 and 1915 and who are serving in Egypt and the East are being brought home as rapidly as possible. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made in the House on this subject on Thursday last in my speech on the Army Estimates.