§ 14. Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the strength, purpose, date of origin and probable duration of stay, of the British Military Missions at present working with the Egyptian and Saudi Arabian forces; how many officers of the Transjordan Frontier Force or attached thereto or acting in an advisory capacity are of British nationality; what was the cost of maintaining the Transjordan Frontier Forces during 1946; and what proportion of this cost was borne by the British taxpayer.
Mr. McNeilThe strength of the British Military Mission with the Egyptian forces is 44 officers and 58 other ranks. The date 3W of its inception was January, 1937. For further information regarding that Mission I would refer my hon. Friend to the third note annexed to the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936. A communication on the subject of the Mission was made to His Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo by the Egyptian Prime Minister at the beginning of this month and is now under consideration by His Majesty's Government. The strength of the Mission to the Saudi Arabian forces is nine officers and 36 other ranks. Its purpose is to give advice on the organisation and training of the Saudi Arabian army. The date of its inception was January, 1947. No decision has been taken regarding the duration of its attachment.
With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.