HC Deb 22 October 1918 vol 110 c591
34. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether Russians in this country are allowed to change their names; if so, whether such changes must be registered at the Home Office and with the police; whether he is aware that a Russian politician and financier, previously named Zavoiko, has recently been naturalised as British, and is known as Colonel Kour-batoff; and what action he proposes to take?

Sir G. CAVE

Russians fall within No. 14H of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, under which no person, not being a natural-born British subject, may change his name in this country unless exempted by the Secretary of State from the provisions of the Regulation. No such person as is mentioned in the question has been naturalised in the United Kingdom.

Mr. KING

If he is going about with two names, I suppose he is breaking the Defence of the Realm Regulations, is he not?

Sir G. CAVE

Yes, Sir. A person, not a natural-born British subject, who does that would be breaking the Regulations.