HC Deb 14 July 1936 vol 314 c1871
48. Mr. GARRO JONES

asked the Prime Minister whether any units of the Navy, the Army, or the Air Force are or will be open to recruits prepared to undertake the obligation for active service only upon the participation of this country in hostilities within the scope of the Covenant of the League of Nations?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir.

Mr. GARRO JONES

Has the right hon. Gentleman had in mind the utility of this proposal as a foundation for an international force and that if the Government adopted it, they would do something to maintain their efforts at leadership in international affairs?

Mr. ALEXANDER

What is the difficulty in giving an affirmative answer to this question, seeing that this country has renounced the use of war as an instrument of national policy?

Sir J. SIMON

Taking that view, it is obvious that unconditional recruitment would produce the same effect.