§ 1. Mr. Wedgwoodasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, now that Czecho-Slovakia has been recognised as an Allied State and Czechs as friendly aliens who may serve against the enemy, the Foreign Office will consider extending the same privileges to Austrian citizens, in view of the fact that under the Treaty of St. Germains His Majesty's Government undertook that no alienation of the status of full independence of Austria would be recognised?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)The circumstances in which His Majesty's Government have recognised and entered into relations with the Provisional Czecho-Slovak Government, established by the Czecho-Slovak National Committee to function in the United Kingdom, were described to the House by the Prime Minister, on 23rd July. The Czecho-Slovak army, first reconstituted in France under the auspices of the Czecho-Slovak National Committee, is being reorganised in this country by the Provisional Government, The same circumstances do not prevail in the case of Austrians, and it would not, therefore, be possible to make similar arrangements for them. Enlistment in the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps is, however, open to all former Austrian citizens, subject to their individual suitability.
§ Mr. WedgwoodIs it not a fact that the Austrians constitute one of these small races who are anxious to bear arms in the same cause, and, if so, why should they be allowed to go only into a civilian force?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I have said, the same circumstances do not prevail in the case 1208 of the Austrians. I am glad that there are these facilities for these Austrians to take up arms.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the fact that the Czechs are regarded as friendly aliens, will the hon. Gentleman use his influence in the Home Office to get the two Czech Deputies released?