HC Deb 26 June 1916 vol 83 c509
24. Colonel YATE

asked the Home Secretary what measures he proposes to take to prevent naturalised Germans from changing their names before they have been officially discarded from German nationality by German law?

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

It is not possible to discriminate on the lines suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, for the reason that definite information cannot be ascertained in individual cases.

Colonel YATE

Why can it not be obtained?

Mr. SAMUEL

The laws of Germany, with regard to naturalisation, are such that one can never be sure that any individual German naturalised in this country may not have retained his nationality in his own country.

Colonel YATE

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent any naturalised Germans from changing their names?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have already answered that question.

Mr. STEWART

Is it not the case that any German who has been naturalised gets a certificate to that effect from his own country?

Mr. SAMUEL

In any case, if one refers to the existing German law, I am not sure that that would prove a complete security.