HC Deb 28 January 1942 vol 377 c691
1. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether steps have now been taken, as a result of discussions between the British and United States Governments, for the calling up for National Service of citizens resident in the territory of the other; and whether he has now decided to ask for access to the list of British subjects now available in the United States of America as a result of registration?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Richard Law)

Consultations are now in progress between His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington and the United States Government on this matter. The present positon is that British subjects between the ages of 18 and 65 and residing in the United States must register, and those between the ages of 20 and 45 are liable for service in the United States Forces. This rule applies to all foreign nationals resident in the United States. It would obviously now serve no useful purpose for His Majesty's Government to ask for access to the list to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Mander

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that during the last war, when America came in, British subjects in America were brought over here to serve in the British Army? Is it proposed that in so far as they do not serve in the American Army similar action should be taken?

Mr. Law

We are discussing that matter with the United States.