§ 3. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that there is now in the possession of the United States Government a list of all British residents in the United States of America, as a result of recent registration, he will consider the advisability of approaching that Government for the names of those on the list, with a view to seeing what form of National Service each is rendering at the present time in the common cause?
§ Mr. EdenWhile I sympathise with my hon. Friend's object in raising this matter, lists of this nature are normally prepared for the Government concerned alone. Even if the United States Government were to agree to their disclosure, it would serve no useful purpose since British subjects abroad cannot be legally compelled to undertake national service of any description.
§ Mr. ManderIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that steps might be taken to put sufficient pressure on British subjects in America who are not playing the game to do so, and is it not desirable, as a preliminary step, that information now 725 available in the United States should be obtained in order to see what the size of the problem is?
§ Mr. EdenThe point I was trying to make was that the information would not in itself result in anything. Before action was possible I am advised that legislation would be necessary.
§ Mr. ManderThis is a first step in order to find out the dimensions of the problem. In view of the feeling on the subject in the United States, will not the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to the matter?