§ 54. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the large numbers of British subjects of military age in Russia, France, Italy, Portugal, and Japan; and whether, in view of our policy to force Allied aliens into our Army or deport them and of the need of men to maintain our Armies in the field, it is the policy of the Government to demand of Allied Powers that British subjects under their jurisdiction shall serve in their Armies or be deported to British soil?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)Many British subjects resident abroad have returned for the purpose of joining the Army, and the number of men of military age remaining in the countries mentioned who are not there performing functions useful to this country is probably too small to justify an extension of the Military Service Acts to them. If these Acts were extended to them I have no doubt the Allied Governments would willingly co-operate in securing their return to this country for service.