§ 40. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers who relinquished their commissions at the end of the last war were given a promise, in writing, that they should retain their rank; and will he undertake that such men, when now called up under the National Service Acts, will be allowed to retain their rank, unless they voluntarily renounce it, whether they are selected for service in the Armed Forces or elsewhere?
§ Sir E. GriggMy hon. and gallant Friend is evidently under a misapprehension. Officers who served in the last war were granted permission to retain their ranks in civilian life after relinquishing their commissions, as a mark of appreciation for their past services to the country. It was never suggested that this privilege would confer a vested right either to resume a commission, or to retain rank in the event of recall to the Colours. On demobilization, these officers did not pass to any kind of Reserve, and their connection with, and liability to, the Army was completely severed. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend on 8th January, 1942.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not the fact that each of these officers was definitely told in writing at the time that he would be able to retain his rank and did that not include also the return to service, if necessary?
§ Sir E. GriggNo, Sir, it did not. Officers were allowed to retain their rank as a mark of distinction in civil life. No indication was given that they could return to the Army as commissioned officers or that they could retain their rank. I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to remember the case of officers in the last war who have already volunteered for service in the ranks or anywhere else, and to realise that you cannot give the privileges to old officers now being conscribed which are not given to those who have volunteered.
§ Sir A. KnoxIf my hon. Friend will read my Question again he will see that I exclude these people who voluntarily gave up their rank, but there was no mention in the letter that officers could retain their rank only in civil life.