§ 43. Mr. HUNTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state why the unnaturalised German chauffeurs of the Lord Chief Justice and 1102 of the Secretary of State for the Colonies were given naturalisation certificates just after the War broke out, and why the chauffeur of the Lord Chief Justice has since been allowed to leave the country; and could he say whether these naturalisation certificates were granted, as in the case of Baron Bruno Schroder, because it was in the public advantage that they should be?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe general principle upon which I have proceeded since the War began in granting certificates of naturalisation to the small number of Germans and Austrians who have received them is that there should be clear grounds of advantages to the State or special circumstances which would justify the grant. In the cases referred to in the questions, I was quite satisfied that they came within the general principle which I have just stated. For the information of the House I would like to state that extreme care has been exercised in the examination of the circumstances of every case. Out of about 10,000 applications, less than 100 certificates have been given, and these figures include readmission of British widows formerly married to enemy subjects and persons whose nationality was doubtful and who had always believed themselves to be British both in blood and nationality.
EARL of RONALDSHAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the first person alluded to in the question has openly, since the outbreak of the War, been expressing his sympathy with the cause of Germany and hostility to the cause of this country?
§ Mr. McKENNATo which particular person does the Noble Lord refer?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; I am not aware of anything of the sort.
§ Mr. McKENNAHe has left temporarily. I cannot answer any further on the subject.
§ Mr. McKENNABecause he was entitled to.