Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for War whether recruiting of East Africans still continues for service in the Armed Forces in Burma and elsewhere.
§ Sir J. GriggYes, Sir.
Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements for leave have been made for East African troops serving overseas.
§ Sir J. GriggAn exchange scheme is in operation between the Middle East and East Africa which enables East Africans to return home. It has not hitherto been possible to make any arrangements for the East Africans serving in South-East Asia Command, but the question is being considered.
§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War if reconsideration will be given to the need of reducing or eliminating corporal punishment for offences committed by West African troops, particularly where such offences would not involve corporal punishment if committed by white troops in West Africa; and whether definite instructions will now be given and insisted on prohibiting whipping, striking, caning, slapping, kicking, punching or any other expression of violence employed in securing discipline and obedience among West African troops.
§ Sir J. GriggIn answer to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon.378W Member to the reply I gave him on 24th October. The second part of the Question gives the impression that the West African soldier is subject to unauthorised physical punishment amounting to personal violence. There are many thousands of West Africans serving in various parts of the world and as far as my information goes this impression is untirely unwarranted. I am investigating one complaint now, and I should be obliged if the hon. Member would forward to me any facts supporting his Question, so that they too can be fully investigated.