10. Miss Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is any general rule excluding from all branches of the Royal Air Force men who, though British-born or naturalised citizens, are sons of aliens; and, if not, what is the regulation applying to such men?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)No, Sir. British subjects of alien parentage may be commissioned or enlisted in the Royal Air Force if they are found to be suitable in all respects.
Miss RathboneIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that some offices have been giving information to the contrary effect to persons in the category named?
§ Captain BalfourNo. Sir, I am not aware of that. The statutory peace-time disqualification was removed by Order-in-Council on 28th September last, and if the hon. Lady can give me particulars of any recruiting offices where this is not known, I will take the necessary steps to have attention drawn to it.
13. Miss Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Air 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 States or neutral countries, or friendly aliens of enemy origin, to join the Royal Air Force or any body auxiliary to it; and under what conditions 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?
§ Captain BalfourFull information on the matters raised by the hon. Lady can be obtained at the combined recruiting centres. Any person of neutral origin, or a friendly alien of enemy origin, may present himself at a combined recruiting centre, and, provided that his bona fides can be established and he is in all other respects suitable, he may be accepted for service in the Royal Air Force for the duration of the war. Nationals of an Allied Power or of a country whose forces are serving in association with His Majesty's Forces are similarly eligible for entry in the Royal Air Force. These con- 1317 ditions also apply to recruitment to the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.