§ 66. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Russian subjects who returned to Russia during the War under the convention with the Russian Government would be permitted to re-enter this country if they have wives and children here and nothing criminal is known against the men; and whether they will be allowed in if married to British-born women?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)These men went away from this country (in many cases leaving British-born wives behind them) rather than serve in the British forces; and the present rule is that they cannot be allowed to return to this country unless they can show that since leaving the United Kingdom they have served in some force fighting in the Allied cause. I cannot see my way at present to modify the rule.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of misery is being caused to these women through being separated from their husbands, and can he hold out no hope of their return?
§ Mr. SHORTTI cannot hold out any hope of men who deliberately left the country rather than serve in the British forces being allowed to return.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to support the deserted British-born wives and children of these men?
§ Mr. SHORTTIf we do, it is better than having them back again.