HC Deb 22 August 1916 vol 85 cc2458-9
39. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to state his arrangements for the enlistment of friendly aliens, especially of Russian Jews, in the British Army?

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

I have been approached by a responsible committee of leading Russian Jews, who have expressed their willingness to carry on an active recruiting campaign in London and in other centres, with a view to securing the voluntary enlistment in the British Army of Russian subjects living in this country who are eligible for military service. I have agreed that until the results of this campaign are seen the question whether those who do not enlist should be repatriated shall remain in abeyance. All who enlist voluntarily and who desire to become British subjects will be given a formal assurance on joining the Army that, if they fulfil the statutory conditions, they will be naturalised without fee within three months, if they are then still serving in the Army. So far as practicable, arrangements will be made for men wishing to serve together to do so. Pay, separation allowance, and pension will be the same as for British subjects. Men who can show that they would not be liable to military service in Russia, while eligible for voluntary enlistment in the British Army, will not at any time be required to serve by other methods. I am in consultation with the War Office as to the establishment of a special tribunal in London, and some modifications in the present arrangements in certain large towns, in order that Russian subjects may apply for certificates of exemption on the same grounds as are allowed to British subjects by the Military Service Acts.

Voluntary recruiting will be open until the 30th September. After that date the question of repatriation will be again considered, as will also the question whether the advantage of the special arrangements for naturalisation should still be open to those who have not presented themselves for enlistment. As several Members of this House, however, are interested in the question of compulsory repatriation, I should not in any case adopt any measures with that object until after the House has reassembled in October, and an opportunity has been open for a discussion of the subject.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in his place on the Adjournment Motion if this matter is raised in the course of the Debate?

Mr. SAMUEL

Certainly, if hon. Members desire it.

Sir W. BYLES

Do I understand there will be no repatriation until the House reassembles?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes.

Mr. MORRELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of allowing these men to go to other countries besides going back to Russia, or keep it open?

Mr. SAMUEL

I should not give an undertaking to that effect. The whole question will be considered when we know the result of the voluntary recruiting.

Mr. W. THORNE

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will consult the War Office in connection with this matter with a view to raising separate battalions both of Jews and Russians?

Mr. SAMUEL

That has been considered, but there are considerable military difficulties in the way.