Sir HENRY DALZIELI desire to ask the Leader of the House whether he can give the House any information as to the decision of the Government with respect to friendly aliens of military age resident in this country who, up to the present, have been exempted from military service?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWHis Majesty's Government are fully alive to the hardships which result from the calling up of British subjects of military age in localities where there is a large alien population. Negotiations are at present proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the Russian Government, and I am glad to announce that the principle has been agreed upon that the same treatment 1854 should be given to the subjects of both nations, namely, that men of military age should be given the choice either of joining the military forces of the country in which they are resident or of returning to their own country for military service.
§ Mr. DILLONAre they not to have the choice, if they are political refugees, of going to some other country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo; I think they are treated very fairly in being given the-option of serving with our forces, if they do not want to return to their own country.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not quite sure, but if it is required the Government will ask the House for it.
§ Mr. KINGWhen will the Government: be in a position to say whether legislation, will be introduced or not?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf the hon. Gentleman had followed my answer, he would have seen that negotiations are not completed. Until they are, I cannot give any answer on this subject.
§ Mr. A. F. WHYTEHas the French Government taken part in these proceedings?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo! Not in these negotiations.