HC Deb 18 September 1940 vol 365 cc149-50
23. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce legislation giving powers to Allied Governments in this country to call up their nationals for compulsory military service; and to what extent they already exercise powers of this kind?

Mr. Attlee

His Majesty's Government intend to submit to Parliament in due course legislation to confer the necessary authority upon the Allied Governments in this country to call up their nationals for military service in accordance with their own existing national laws, but in conformity with uniform arrangements for the employment of all Allied manpower on war service. Until this legislation has been passed the position remains that the Allied Governments have the right to call upon their nationals in this country for military service in accordance with their own national laws, but that our own Courts and authorities have no power to assist the Allied Governments in enforcing such obligations for military service upon any of their nationals who may be unwilling to respond voluntarily.

Mr. Mander

May I take it that the Allied Governments are desirous of having these extra powers of compulsory calling up?

Mr. Attlee

Clearly.

Mr. Rhys Davies

When such legislation is brought forward, will the problems of hardship and conscientious objection be considered, as is the case in our own law?

Mr. Attlee

I explained in my answer that it will be in accordance with the law of those countries. If the law of the particular country allows conscientious objection, the legislation will cover that, but if the law of the country does not allow it, the legislation will not.

Miss Rathbone

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there might be difficulties in such legislation arising out of the fact that at least two of the Allied Governments represented have strongly anti-Semitic and reactionary tendencies, which make it very difficult for some of their nationals in this country to serve willingly in their Forces, and that many of them would rather serve with the British Forces or with the Pioneer Corps?

Mr. Lees-Smith

With regard to my right hon. Friend's reply concerning the differentiation between our system of conscription and that of the Allied nations, and the decision that the Allied nations' system shall be applied, will my right hon. Friend refer to the speech that was made by the Joint Under-Secretary of State for War in the Debate on this subject, because my impression is that the statement then made does not fully correspond with the statement which has just been made to the House?