London, Nov. 19, "Lam bound to admit that under the present conditions of service, the voluntary system of recruitment Seems in grave danger," declared Lord Stanhope, First Commissioner Works, in replying to @uestlons raised in. the House of Lords debate on Britain's defence problem.
The recruitment of the Territorial Army for 1936-37, Lord Stanhope continued, had fallen to about 24,000, and, although the War Office hoped fo secure 40,000 recruits this year, they would be still be short of 86,000 men who were required to bring the total up to peace-time levels, the regular army, the situation was somewhat woree, he declared, for although only 36,000 recruits were required for the 1998-27 programme to Fepalr the normal wastage, the Wa. Office expected that only 21,000 men would be available, This deficiency was rapidly Increasing.
Britain could not consider the question of disarmament, he proceeded, until they brought themselves in line with those who hod begun rearmament long ego, It necessary, the Air Force should be Increased at the end of the 1997 programme, in order, P pace with other Powers, "We should not hesitate to do. s0;" Lord Stanhope
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.