HC Deb 01 November 1916 vol 86 cc1708-9
56. Mr. KEATING

asked the Secretary of State for War if a Circular has been issued authorising officers of regiments to invite Irishmen serving under them to transfer to Irish regiments?

37. Mr. REDMOND

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an Army Order was issued some months ago directing that any man called up from Class B Army Reserve who is of Irish nationality and, wishes to join an Irish regiment will be sent to the depot of the regiment he wishes to join, and will be there appointed to that regiment; whether he is aware of the fact that there are numerous complaints of Irishmen who, notwithstanding the Order, are, against their will, sent to English, Scottish, and Welsh regiments; and whether there is any objection to the Army Order in question being published in the public Press?

Mr. FORSTER

As the instructions to which the hon. and learned Member refers are of general interest, I will quote them textually:— In consequence of the low state of recruiting in Ireland, any man called up from Class B, Army Reserve, who is of Irish nationality and classified in Category A, should be asked whether he wishes to join an Irish regiment, and will, if he so desires, be sent to the depot of the Irish regiment he wishes to join, and will there be appointed to that regiment. The War Office is not aware of the prevalence of complaints that Irishmen are sent to English, Scottish, or Welsh regiments.

Mr. ASHLEY

Will the same privilege be extended to English soldiers?

Mr. KEATING

Has the Circular referred to been or will it be sent to the men themselves; and I should like to know if there is any case where the men are not informed of the existence of this Circular?

Mr. FORSTER

The instructions I have just read direct that the question is to be put to the man; that the man is to be given the choice

Mr. ASHLEY

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to extend that privilege to. English, Scottish, and Welsh soldiers?

Mr. FORSTER

I will consult with my right hon. Friend.

Mr. KEATING

Do I understand that the Circulars are not to be addressed to the men, but that they are to be questioned by the officers?

Mr. FORSTER

I think a moment's consideration will show that it would be impossible to circulate it to the men.

Mr. KEATING

Why?