HC Deb 22 June 1943 vol 390 cc997-8
21. Mr. Hannah

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that nothing further can be done to secure the services of former members of the International Brigade for the different Armed Forces of the Crown?

Mr. A. Henderson

In so far as they are British subjects, all who were born since 1st January, 1900, will by now have registered under the National Service Acts, and will have been dealt with by the Ministry of Labour. Unless they are unfit or in a reserved occupation, they are presumably in one or other of the Armed Forces. If they are over military age or aliens they are free to volunteer for service in the Army in the normal way.

Mr. Hannah

Does that reply cover the whole question of the International Brigade?

Mr. Driberg

How many former members of the International Brigade have been discharged under paragraph 390, XVIII (a) of King's Regulations?

Mr. Henderson

I am afraid I could not say without notice.

Major Petherick

Is there any reason why we should try to secure the safety of members of the International Brigade who are not British subjects, any more than of any other soldiers of fortune?

Mr. Dugdale

Have not these men been very useful in helping us to fight?

Mr. Henderson

I think I ought to say that a considerable number of those who served in the International Brigade are serving satisfactorily in the British Army, and that, indeed, some of them have received commissions.