HC Deb 19 June 1941 vol 372 c801
31. Sir Robert Young

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that British-born men of alien parents were refused permission to join the Territorial Army and other branches of His Majesty's Armed Forces; and whether, under these circumstances, he can say to what nationality do such men belong, with special reference to Lithuanians and others, the countries of whose parents are now incorporated in the Union of Russian Soviet Republics?

Mr. H. Morrison

A person born in this country is a British subject, and if he were at one time, because of his foreign parentage, refused admission to the Territorial Army, this would not alter his national status. Persons of Lithuanian nationality are still recognised in this country as Lithuanians, but the fact that the father is classed as a Lithuanian does not affect the national status of the British-born son.

Sir R. Young

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the young men referred to in the Question, having volunteered for military service, have been asked to renounce their British nationality in favour of their parents' nationality, and have the Home Office anything to do with that?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir. That would be a matter for the War Office.