HC Deb 15 February 1945 vol 408 cc378-9
19. Captain McEwen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the number of Polish soldiers, especially those who have married in this country, who are anxious to obtain British nationality after the war; and whether he has in consideration any measure which will render this object more easy of achievement for them.

Mr. H. Morrison

Among the many foreigners who are assisting the war effort of the United Nations, both in the Armed Forces and in civilian occupations, there are numerous people who are anxious to obtain British nationality, and I know of no ground on which I should be justified in selecting for preferential treatment the particular group to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

Captain McEwen

In view of the fact that such applications as this are likely to increase in future, is this not a matter to which the Minister might well give his immediate attention?

Mr. Morrison

At the appropriate time general policy on this matter should receive attention, but I think it would be premature to determine it at the present moment.

Mr. Graham White

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is very understandable anxiety among the people referred to as to what their position will be at the end of the war? Will he make such an announcement as may be possible as soon as possible?

Mr. Morrison

There is some anxiety in other quarters as well, including British, and I must take all points of view into account.

Miss Rathbone

Is the Home Secretary-aware that we are about the only people who treat in this way men serving in our Armed Forces? Whereas men in the Forces of the U.S. and in the Dominions are almost automatically naturalised we treat these people as of no importance.

Mr. Morrison

The circumstances in other countries are different. My hon. Friend will persist in thinking that the British nation have treated refugees badly, and, with great respect, I think she is entirely wrong.

Mr. McGovern

Is the Minister aware that this country is under a special obligation to these men, many of whom will not want to return to a Stalinised Poland? In view of the gross betrayal of Poland at the present moment, should not these people get special treatment?

Mr. Morrison

The views of my hon. Friend on foreign affairs generally, and on this matter, will be given due consideration.