HC Deb 17 May 1956 vol 552 cc198-9W
74. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Defence what will be the relative strengths after the lately announced reduction in Soviet forces, between the conventional land forces of the Soviet bloc and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Sir W. Monckton

According to our latest estimates, the Sovietbloc land forces at present comprise nearly 300 divisions of all types, in varying stages of readiness. The N.A.T.O. land forces comprise some 100 divisions also in varying stages of readiness.

According to the Russian statement, when the reductions recently announced have been completed, the number of divisions will fall by 63. The strength of the forces in Eastern Germany will, however, be only very slightly reduced.

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