§ 160. Mr. Draysonasked the Secretary of State for War what reports he has received on the performance of Soviet automatic rifles captured in Port Said; and how this compares with the Belgian F.N. rifle issued to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces.
§ Mr. HareThe Russian rifle with bayonet is 1 lb. lighter than the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation rifle and bayonet. It is not capable of automatic fire and therefore cannot be used as a light machine-gun as can the F.N. rifle with a heavy barrel and bipod. The magazine of the former holds only ten rounds compared with the latter's twenty. The Russian bullet is lighter, has a lower muzzle velocity and therefore less stopping power than the N.A.T.O. bullet. The Russian bayonet is not detachable.