THE INDIAN ARMY

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 14, 17 January 1921, Page 7

THE INDIAN ARMY

REDUCTION OF STRENGTH

PARTLY AN ECONOMIC STEP,

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(AUSTRALIAN ■ NEW ZBALANB CAJLB *SSOCJATISN.)

(Received January 17, 11.30 a.m.)

DELHI, 16th January,

There is a feeling of uneasiness in the Indian Army over the decision of the Government to demobilise about twelve cavalry and over thirty of the Indian infantry regiments. This means that about 30,000 men and 24Q0 British officers will be discharged from service at the end of March. It is also believed to bo probable .that the British force in India will be reduced by sending home a British 'cavalry battalion and. four British infantry'battalions. These measures are being adopted partly owing to the withdrawal of the troops from Mesopotamia and partly as th-e result of the bad financial outlook and the consequent growing Indian , outcry against heavy expenditure on the army. The Government is considering ways and means for meeting the heavy Budget deficit, which is inevitable _owing to the fall in the exxhango and the severe slump in trade.