HC Deb 19 March 1940 vol 358 c1791
21. Mr. Cary

asked the Secretary of State for War the circumstances which led up to the release of Major Kermit Roosevelt from the active list of the British Army for the purpose of taking a volunteer force to Finland?

Mr. Stanley

In view of this officer's American nationality and his earnest desire to place his services at the disposal of Finland, it was decided that his request to be allowed to relinquish his commission in the British Army should be granted as an exceptional case.