HC Deb 19 February 1918 vol 103 cc595-6
17 and 85. Major NEWMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) what is the present position of Russian subjects resident in this country who have been called up for service or who are liable for service as not having availed themselves of the option afforded them of leaving this country; whether the accredited representative of the Bolshevists in London has stated that, though of military age himself, he was no longer liable for military service; have any British subjects been recruited in Russia for service in the Army she has since disbanded under the terms of the Military Convention now denounced by the Bolshevists; (2) the Minister of National Service what steps he is taking to ensure that all Russian subjects of military age who may be released from service in the British Army or not called up for service now that the Military Con- tion between the two countries has been denounced by the dominant faction in Russia are employed strictly on work of national importance at Army pay or are held liable to immediate repatriation?

86. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of National Service whether it is the intention of the Government to recruit any more Russian subjects of military age who are in this country; and what attitude the Government intend taking up in regard to Russians who may want to come to this country?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)

It has been decided in present circumstances to discontinue the recruiting of Russian subjects of military age in this country. His Majesty's Government do not know of any cases in which British subjects have been called up for service in the Russian Army, but it will be understood that it is impossible to speak with certainty on this point. With regard to the other points raised in these questions, I cannot add anything to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Ludlow.

Major NEWMAN

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me what is the position of Russian subjects who have been called up for service and who are now serving in our Army?

Mr. BECK

I would like to have notice of that question.

Mr. BILLING

Does the Ministry of National Service propose to call upon these aliens to do any work of national importance in this country?