§ 39. Colonel YATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused in Territorial units by the circulation of the Army form asking men to volunteer for general service overseas; and whether he will take steps to allay that dissatisfaction by giving an assurance that the men shall not be separated from their own units and their own officers?
§ Sir HENRY CRAIKBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask him if he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused to Territorial units by questions in this House and by speeches outside which, while delivered in their interests, do not represent the feelings of the great number of that body, implying, as they do, that the Territorials are unwilling to volunteer for general overseas service, whereas their only desire is to be used in any capacity for which the Army Council may consider them to be fit?
§ Mr. TENNANTThese questions of Imperial Service and transfer have been engaging my attention. It is very satisfactory to learn from the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Glasgow University that the members of the Territorial Force are so justly proud of their calling as to resent suggestions that they are unwilling to undertake the full obligations imposed by the exigencies of this campaign. The desire that the unit should retain its corporate existence is fully recognised, and my Noble Friend has now consented to the withdrawal of the liability to transfer as an accompaniment of Imperial Service.
§ 40. Colonel YATEasked whether Cavalry Reserve regiments and Yeomanry regiments of the Territorial Force will be permitted to volunteer to serve overseas dismounted as Infantry units under their own officers, as was done in the case of regiments under the command of the late Secretary of State for War?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe suggestion in the question will not be lost sight of.