§ 3. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports have been received from His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow regarding the rate of demobilisation of the Russian Armed Forces since VJ-Day; and of their present strength.
Mr. McNeilMy attention has been drawn to three demobilisation Decrees of the Supreme Soviet:
The first, of 23rd June, 1945, that is, before VI-Day, provided for the demobilisation of the first 13 age groups of the Red Armies in the West. It was later extended to those serving in the Far East.
The second, of 25th September, 1945, provided for the demobilisation of the next 10 age groups of privates and N.C.O.'s in the Red Army except for those in the Far East, and also certain other categories.
The third, of 20th March, 1946, lays down that the dernobilisation of the next six groups of privates and N.C.O.'s in the Soviet land and Air Force shall be carried out between May and September, 1946.
My right hon. Friend is not in a position to make an accurate estimate of their present strength.