19. Sir F. HALLasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the oath of allegiance to the Soviet republic taken by a number of British delegates to the recent Bolshevik anniversary celebrations in Moscow; and whether these persons will be allowed to return to this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have seen Press notices somewhat to the effect suggested in the first paragraph of the question.; but nothing in those notices nor any information that I have obtained otherwise affords any basis for the suggestion that the persons in question ceased to be British subjects.
Sir F. HALLIf a British subject swears allegiance to a foreign country, is not that tantamount to being treasonable to his own country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think it could be made the subject of a prosecution for treason, nor do I think that it would deprive him of his rights as a British subject.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the photograph of the Foreign Secretary giving the Fascist salute in Italy?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI shall be much obliged if the hon. and gallant Member will send me a copy of it for my scrapbook.
Sir F. HALLDoes my right hon. Friend think that those who pose as British subjects should any longer be allowed to be British subjects if they swear allegiance to a foreign Power?