HC Deb 21 February 1899 vol 67 cc45-6
MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether a decision with regard to the repatriation of the 100th Regiment, Royal Canadians, and of the raising of a second battalion in Canada, has been delayed by obstacles created by the War Office or by the Canadian authorities, and what is the nature of such obstacles; and whether, in view of the desire expressed by all sections of society in Canada, the War Office will sanction the restoration to the first battalion of the so-called Leinster Regiment their true and honourable title of Royal Canadians?

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I beg at the same time to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the present arrangements of the War Office, young men in Canada desiring to enlist in the 100th Regiment are unable to do so unless they undertake a journey, sometimes extending to as much as 3,000 miles, on the chance of being rejected on arrival at Halifax; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the difficulties interposed, hundreds of young Canadians have joined the United States Army instead of enlisting in the British Army; and whether, in view of these circumstances, the War Office will make some reasonable arrangement by which intending recruits may be approved and attested for the 100th Regiment, or for any other branch of the Army, in any part of Canada?

MR. WYNDHAM

Perhaps the honourable Member will allow me to answer his next Question at the same time. The question of recruiting for the Regular Army in Canada is now under consideration. Any statement at this stage would be premature.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Can the honourable Gentleman give no information? Is not this question a long time under consideration, and when does he hope the end will be reached?

MR. WYNDHAM

No, Sir, I cannot give the information. It is true, as the honourable Member says, that the subject has been under consideration for some time; but it would be clearly premature for us to express an opinion until we exchange views with the Canadian Government and arrive at a conclusion in the matter on which both Governments are agreed.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Will the honourable Gentleman say whether the obstacle has arisen here or in Canada?

MR. WYNDHAM

I am not prepared to call the due consideration of the question an obstacle either on the one side of the Atlantic or the other.

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