10. Miss Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that there is considerable uncertainty as to the extent and conditions under which it is possible for aliens, whether belonging to allied nations, neutral countries or friendly aliens of enemy origin, to join the Army 1176 or any force auxiliary to it, including the Auxiliary Territorial Service; and whether he will state the conditions under which such aliens can apply at recruiting offices with the hope that, if personally suitable, they will be accepted for enlistment, distinguishing, if necessary, between the three groups indicated?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office (Sir Edward Grigg)Nationals of countries which have their own forces in Great Britain, namely Poles, Czechs, Belgians, Dutch and Norwegians, are not accepted for enlistment into the British Army, as they have the opportunity of joining their own national armies. French nationals who do not wish to join General de Gaulle's Forces may be accepted for enlistment into any Corps of the British Army for which they are medically suitable. Friendly aliens of enemy origin, namely, Germans, Austrians and Italians, may be accepted for enlistment into the Pioneer Corps. Nationals of neutral countries may be accepted for enlistment into any Corps of the British Army for which they are medically fit and for which they may be considered suitable. In all cases the enlistment of an alien of whatever nationality is subject to investigation, and in no case would an alien be enlisted on the same day as he presents himself. Age limits for aliens are 18 to 50 years for the Pioneer Corps and 19½ to 40 years for other arms. The medical standards vary for the different arms. The enrolment of aliens in the Auxiliary Territorial Service is now under consideration.
Miss RathboneIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable number of experienced soldiers belonging to Allied countries who would rather fight in any British Force because of the suspected Fascist reactionary or anti-Semite feeling in those other Forces; and in view of the fact that it cannot but be to the injury of any Force to have in it reluctantly conscripted soldiers, would not the hon. Gentleman consider the question again in conference with Allied Governments?
§ Sir E. GriggVery careful consideration has been given to this subject in conference with the allied Governments, and I do not think we are in a position to reconsider it.
§ Mr. WedgwoodDoes the answer apply also to those enemy aliens with friendly sympathies who are in Canada and Australia?
§ Sir E. GriggI believe that consideration for enlistment to the Pioneer Corps is given to enemy aliens in B and C categories who are regarded as suitable.