§ 77. Mr. MOSLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men over forty-one years of age who are now on leave in this country are under orders to return to Russia at the expiration of their leave; whether this represents the considered policy of the War Office; and, if not, whether he will order the demobilisation of these men and the retention of younger men to take their place?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs active operations are still in progress in Russia, all men on leave from that theatre must return on the expiration of their leave.
§ Lieutenant - Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH - BENTINCKHow does that square with the declaration of the Secretary of State for War that no man shall be sent to Russia except voluntarily?
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not see that it cuts across that at all. It does not seem to me to matter whether he is a conscript or volunteer. The question is whether he is or is not on leave.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESIs it a fact that men over forty-one years of age are being compelled, when home on leave, to return to Russia?
§ Mr. FORSTERMen serving in Russia volunteer to go there. They come back to this country from time to time on leave. Obviously it is their business to go back at the expiration of their leave.
§ Major CAYZERWill men over thirty-seven years of age have to go back to Russian in order to be demobilised?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe hon. and gallant Member seems to forget that these men are volunteers.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the right hon. Gentleman say what they are doing in Russia at all?