Oral Answers to Questions — British Army. – in the House of Commons at on 5 December 1939.
Sir Edward Spears
, Carlisle
asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers of field rank and upwards, employed in the missions attached to the French Army or as liaison officers, have passed the interpretership examination in French?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
Fluency in French is not the only qualification needed for these appointments, but the selection of officers of field rank and upwards has, as far as possible, been confined to those who have either passed the interpretership examination or been tested by French national examiners. I am informed that the liaison is excellent.
Sir Edward Spears
, Carlisle
That does not answer my question. I asked how many field officers have passed this examination?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
I think the hon. and gallant Member will see that I have answered the question on the Order Paper. The question he intended to ask is not the one on the Order Paper.
Sir Edward Spears
, Carlisle
Has the head of the mission attached to the French Commander-in-Chief passed the examination?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
The Major-General attached to the French Commander-in-Chief is well known as a most fluent French scholar, and is giving the highest satisfaction to the Commander-in-Chief and to ourselves.
Sir Edward Spears
, Carlisle
How does the right hon. Gentleman know that he is a fluent French scholar if he has not passed the examination?
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