HC Deb 08 August 1916 vol 85 cc838-9
63. Mr. MORRELL

asked the Home Secretary whether he continues to receive evidence of the indignation that has been roused by the threat which he recently used against men of Jewish race who are technically Russian subjects that unless they immediately joined the British Army they would be deported back to Russia; whether he is aware that he has no power under the Military Service Act to compel aliens to join the Army; whether that was the reason for his resorting to such a threat against the Jews; whether he is aware that greater consideration is shown by has colleagues to men of other races who are technically hostile aliens, inasmuch as Armenians, who are technically subjects of Turkey, and Poles, who are technically subjects of Germany or Austria, are not necessarily treated as Turks or Germans or Austrians; and whether he proposes to make any further statement on this question before the House rises?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement in this House on the 1st instant. I hope to be able to make a further statement on the subject very shortly, and certainly before the House rises.

Mr. MORRELL

Will the statement be made in such a way that it can be debated?

Mr. SAMUEL

I cannot say. Of course the matter may be debated on the Motion for the Adjournment.