§ 17 Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that many Russian Jews now in this country observe with particular devotion the traditional duties of their religious faith, such as the eating only of kosher meat; whether he will make some statement to reassure such Jews that on entering the British Army such religious scruples will not be violated, or, alternatively, whether he will arrange for special companies or battalions in which such religious duties may be more easily observed; (2) whether he is aware that many Russian Jews now in this country speak Yiddish and have no command of the British language; and whether, when these men are brought into the Army, they will be first instructed in a course of English, so that they may be able to fully understand their officers before being sent to serve; and (3) whether he is aware that Finns, though Russian subjects, are entirely exempt from military conscription, and if returned to Russia or Finland would not be required to serve; whether this fact was considered by the Home Office before its policy was formulated and its regulations published; and whether it is his intention to force into the British Army those aliens whom their own Government exempts from military service?
Mr. SAMUELI can only repeat that, as I stated in the House on Monday last, all details connected with the enlistment of Russians are now being considered and arranged.
§ Mr. PRINGLEDid my hon. Friend's question not make the matter important?
§ 37. Sir W. BYLESasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to an appeal from the Jewish students in the Manchester University giving reasons against the new conscription proposals as they affect Russian Jews in this country, especially pointing out the hardships which would ensue from the deportation of political refugees who have sought and found an asylum in England; and whether these representations will lead him to modify his proposals in regard to these exiles?
Mr. SAMUELI have seen a copy of the appeal to which the hon. Member refers. I would call his attention to the statement which I made in this House on Monday last on the subject of the enlistment of Russian subjects.
§ Mr. ANDERSONCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that people, Russian Jews or otherwise, who have come to this country as political refugees from Russia, however they may be punished if they resist compulsory military law, will not be deported back to Russia?