§ 41. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, under the Military Convention with Italy, only 426 Italians have joined the British Army and that the Italian Minister has exempted 3,089 Italians in this country from military service here, and that, though under the Military Convention with Russia far more Russians have joined the British Army and far fewer exemptions have been given, yet the Russians added to the Army are less than 25 per cent. of the numbers estimated to be forthcoming; whether, under these circumstances, he will follow the example of the Russian Government in denouncing the Russian Military Convention; whether the Italian Military Convention will be denounced or reconsidered; and whether, with a view to enlisting Allied subjects in the Army, he is considering making further Military Conventions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answers to the second and third parts are in the negative. As regards the last part it is anticipated that a Convention will shortly be concluded between His Majesty's Government and the United States of America.
§ Mr. KINGIn view of these extraordinary figures which are admitted in the first part of the question, does the right hon. Gentleman think it satisfactory that 198 the Italian Minister should grant seven times as many exemptions as there are in Great Britain?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for argument.