§ 37. Sir E. CORNWALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the urgency of dealing with the number of friendly aliens of military age now in London and other parts of the country, he will at once form them into a Foreign Legion, failing any other way of dealing with the situation?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe enlistment of friendly aliens who are fit for general service has been sanctioned up to the limits contemplated by the Army Act. The formation of these men into a separate unit is not considered desirable.
§ Sir E. CORNWALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the East End of London there are 20,000 of these persons; that this gives a sense of injustice to British-born subjects who are called up in circumstances of serious domestic hardship; and is this to continue or what are we to do to help recruiting in the East of London?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI can assure my hon. Friend that that problem is engaging 1188 the attention of the War Committee more particularly at this moment. There are difficulties, as he can imagine, in regard to foreign relations and matters of that kind that have to be taken very carefully into account before a decision is arrived at. I can assure the hon. Member that the question is being considered.
§ Sir E. CORNWALLWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that these men are taking away the employment and work of British-born subjects?
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the brilliant work that has been done by the French Foreign Legion and will he consider the formation of a British Foreign Legion?