§ 20. Commander O. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British subjects enrolled in the Foreign Legion in French service lose any rights as British citizens; and what French official channel exists through which communications can be made?
Mr. A. HENDERSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The free enjoyment by British subjects of their rights as such is, however, naturally curtailed during the period of their service under a foreign Government and in a foreign land. The diplomatic channel is open for communications to the French Government relating to legionaries of British nationality, but if the hon. and gallant Member has in mind the question of their release from the Legion I would remind him that my powers of intervention are limited by the fact of such persons having entered into a voluntary contract for a period of five years' service.