HC Deb 30 July 1940 vol 363 cc1135-6
18. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any hope of the early formation of a foreign legion officered by British officers in which friendly aliens in this country, refused for the British Army, could enlist and obtain at least training and discipline?

Mr. Eden

As I explained in the answer which I gave to my right hon. Friend and to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) on Tuesday last, French, Polish, Czech, Dutch, Norwegian and Belgian units are being organised and equipped, and friendly aliens who do not join any of these national forces may be enlisted in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps. A number are so serving already.

Mr. Wedgwood

There is no question, then, of their being allowed to serve actively?

Mr. Eden

The Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps is serving actively.

Mr. Wedgwood

Not with rifles.

Mr. Silverman

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when he talks of friendly aliens, he is thinking of aliens who are friendly in the strict sense of the word, that is to say, in the territorial sense?

Mr. Eden

No, Sir.