HC Deb 25 March 1919 vol 114 cc195-6
26. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir F. HALL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a considerable number of men who joined the Service in 1914 and 1915 have been sent from Salonika to Russia; whether he is aware that in practically every case these soldiers have had no leave to enable them to visit their homes; and whether, in view of the great dissatisfaction that has arisen in consequence thereof, he will immediately take steps for these men to be released and their places taken, if necessary, by younger soldiers?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is posssible that amongst the men sent from Salonika a certain number, but not a large number, who joined in 1914 and 1915 are included. The order of priority of demobilisation, which applied to our forces at home and on the Continent, is also operative in the Army of the Caucasus, and under this system the length of service of such men receives consideration, and their claims have not been lost sight of. These men will be replaced as soon as possible.

Sir F. HALL

If I bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend specific cases, will he have them looked into with a view to these men being returned?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir; I will. The policy which we are pursuing is to replace these men and to bring them home as soon as possible. If they are entitled to demobilisation we try to demobilise them. At the same time we have to think of the actual condition of each unit. We cannot break up a unit which is required for service until we can find some means of replacing the men.

Sir F. HALL

Cannot that be done by young men being sent out?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That is exactly the process on which we are engaged. Recently drafts have been sent out.

An HON. MEMBER

Why send men to Russia at all?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That is a question which should be addressed to the Head of the Government, the Leader of the House, or the Foreign Secretary.

Commander BELLAIRS

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the case of twenty-two men from whom I have received a letter to-day, who have been in hospital with malaria, have had no leave, and have been sent out abroad again?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I must ask for particulars of these cases.