§ 25. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether persons temporarily employed in the Army during the War, and who have received their discharge without pension, require the permission of the War Office before accepting service under the French Government in connection with their occupation of the Ruhr; and whether, in the event of such permission being required, he can assure the House that no difficulties will be placed in the way of officers who desire to tender their services as above?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Lieut.-Colonel Guinness)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not therefore arise.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDo I understand that if such a letter, refusing permission 1258 in a case such as that suggested, was sent, it was sent in error, and that no permission was needed?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSI have not seen this case, but if the ex-officer is neither in the Army nor the Reserve the War Office have no control over his action, and are in a position neither to withhold nor give permission.