§ 20. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider introducing a Foreign Enlistment Bill with the object of raising for the service of this country, a legion composed of foreigners who, as the result of the war are unable or unwilling to return to their own countries, and who, by serving in such a legion, would help us to find the numbers of troops required for overseas service under post-war conditions.
§ Mr. LawsonI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 29th January.
§ Sir G. JeffreysMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the raising of such a legion would not be in accordance with precedent—the precedent of the King's German Legion—and whether, in view of the fact that foreign soldiers are now being paid for by this country although not serving this country, he will reconsider his decision?
§ Mr. LawsonAs my right hon. Friend stated, in the answer which I have quoted, this matter was being considered at the time.