40. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked by whom interpreters with the British Army in France and Belgium are appointed, and by whom are they paid; whether British subjects who have an adequate knowledge of the French language are eligible for such appointments; whether there are in existence any regulations as to such appointments; and whether he will provide facilities for suitable British subjects making application for such appointments?
§ Mr. FORSTERInterpreters with the British Armies in France are French or Belgian soldiers, and serve under the discipline of their own officers and receive pay from their own Government. Their duties are not confined to the mere interpretation from French or Flemish into English and vice versa, and accurate knowledge of the French language is not the only qualification required.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTAre qualified British subjects, who have adequate knowledge of the language and other conditions, excluded from acting as interpreters in the British Army?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt has been found from experience that it is desirable to make use of officers of the nationalities concerned.