§ 8. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sam Barren, of 5, Selwyn Road, Tottenham, is a Pole of enemy nationality, but exempted from internment as being of friendly association, that this man was on 13th May visited by an official, who threatened him that he must join the Army, was taken away to Mill Hill for forcible recruitment, and that his friends are now unable to have any news of him; whether, if this man is taken in war as a 772 prisoner, he is liable to be shot as a rebel; whether Sam Barren is now in the Army; if so, what is his number and unit; and whether the forcible recruitment of aliens of enemy nationality will now cease?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The case to which the hon. Member refers appears to be that of Solomon Barren, an Austrian Jew, aged twenty-three. As he had been here since the age of five, he was informed by the police that he would appear to be eligible for enlistment in a works battalion. He reported to the local recruiting officer, but on arrival at Mill Hill Barracks refused to serve, and was allowed to return home. There is no question of "forcible recruitment," but if the man's exemption from internment is to be continued he must undertake work in some essential industry in this country.
§ Mr. KINGCan he undertake civic work of national importance not necessarily under military authority?
§ Sir G. CAVECertainly.