§ 5. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is much disquiet among Austrians in the Pioneer Corps at the attempts being made to separate them out into special units; that it is felt that this change will introduce politics into the Pioneer Corps and that the majority of Austrians would rather serve as part of the British Army; and whether he will reconsider this policy?
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law)It was understood that the formation of Pioneer companies consisting solely of Austrians was in accordance with the wishes of the Austrians themselves. I am aware, however, 3 that certain difficulties have arisen over the formation of these companies, and the matter is now under review.