§ 19. Colonel YATEasked the Home Secretary what proportion of the Russian aliens of military age between eighteen and fifty-one have now been enlisted in Labour Battalions, and what proportion remain to be enlisted; and whether the enlistment of aliens is now general throughout the country, or is it only confined to London?
§ The MINISTER of NATIONAL SERVICE (Sir Auckland Geddes)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Approximately 22 per cent. of the Russians made liable to service by the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States Act, 1917) have been enlisted in Labour Battalions, or other special units formed for the enlistment of Russian Jews. The enlistment of aliens who are liable to military service by reason of a Convention is general throughout the country.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhat other units are there available for Russian troops to join besides the Labour Battalion?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThere are special units for the Russian Jews.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhy was I informed the other day by the Secretary of State for War that there was no other alternative to the Labour Battalion?
§ Sir A. GEDDESA very large percentage of them are unfit, a considerable percentage has received exemption from tribunals on one ground or another, and there is quite an appreciable percentage in a state of absenteeism.
§ Colonel YATEHave steps been taken to collect those absentees and to consider again those who are reported unfit?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould there not be a better chance of reducing the number of absentees if they were allowed to join Zionist regiments and fight under their own people?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe are getting rather into deep water here. We are a long way from the shore.