HC Deb 13 September 1939 vol 351 cc648-9
51. Mr. Mander

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements are being made for friendly refugees in this country to volunteer for some unit of the Fighting Services or Home Defence?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 4th September, special tribunals are being set up to review rapidly all cases of Germans, Austrians and Czecho-Slovakians, with a view to sifting out any who, though claiming to be refugees, may not in fact be friendly to this country. The intention is that use shall be made of the services of those who, as a result of this review, are classified as friendly to this country. Those who wish to serve in His Majesty's Forces will be registered, and may then be called up in limited numbers as and when required. Similarly, those who wish to serve in certain of the Civil Defence services will be enabled to register for this purpose. An announcement will be made later as to the steps to be taken by refugees who wish to offer their services, but the first step must be to pass these cases under examination in accordance with the plan announced in the Home Secretary's statement.

Colonel Wedgwood

When are these tribunals likely to be set up? Next week?

Mr. Morrison

I cannot give a date, but I know that it is intended to set them up as rapidly as possible.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the right hon. Gentleman secure the reconsideration of the classification of Austrians as enemy aliens?

Mr. Morrison

The House will agree that in these matters discretion will be exercised in individual cases.

Mr. C. S. Taylor

Can my right hon. Friend say what is the position of American citizens who wish to enlist in the service of this country?

Mr. Morrison

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice of that question.