HC Deb 11 July 1946 vol 425 cc583-4
76. Mr. James Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what special arrangements he is prepared to make to permit a small group of about 40 to 5o Free French sailors who have fought with the R.N. since 1940, and who are married to English girls, to make their homes here.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

I cannot treat these men as a group, but applications will be considered individually on their merits.

Mr. Callaghan

May I ask the Home Secretary whether he will bear in mind that, despite the fact that these men were given the most explicit assurances by a senior British naval officer in 1940 that they would be allowed to stay in this country, they have been returned to France where they have no homes and no employment?

Mr. Ede

I shall certainly take into account any promises which may have been made to these men, but I cannot allow a naval officer to dictate the policy of my Department.