§ 47. Mr. Wilfrid Robertsasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the position of foreigners who have served in the uniformed Services during the war and are now to be demobilised abroad, although for various reasons it is recognised that they cannot return to their countries; and whether he will give these men the opportunity to remain in this country until permanent arrangements have been made for them to go to the dominions or elsewhere.
§ The Prime MinisterI presume that the hon. Member has in mind those foreigners who, while abroad, were enlisted into His Majesty's Forces as a means of enabling them to contribute to the Allied cause. It is the policy of His Majesty's Government that, on demobilisation, they should be returned either to their own country, or to the place where they were enlisted if their return there can be arranged. It is recognised, however, that in a number of cases neither course may be practicable at present, and these cases are being examined with a view to trying to make suitable arrangements for the men in question.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the Prime Minister really think this is proper treatment for men who have been fighting in our Forces since perhaps 194o, and who have been in opposition to Nazis and dictators for many years before that, to be dumped back again in U.N.R.R.A. camps or into completely unconsidered conditions in North Africa? Will he not reconsider this whole matter?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no suggestion that they should be dumped into unconsidered camps.
§ Mr. ScollanWill the Prime Minister say whether his reply will apply to General Anders' army, which I see is going to be dumped into Scotland?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no question of dumping anybody anywhere We 22 are trying to do our best for these people, including the Polish Forces, who have fought on our side. It is not an easy matter, and is being considered with the very greatest possible care.
§ Mr. Quintin HoggWould it not be a great deal better to have in this country a number of honest people who want to live here rather than importing slave labour from Germany to do our work?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ByersWill the Prime Minister give an undertaking that the personal wishes of the people concerned will be taken into account in every case?
§ The Prime MinisterWe shall endeavour to do the best possible thing we can for them. I am not prepared to give a pledge to say that everybody who has fought for us can necessarily come to this country. I am sure the hon and gallant Member knows that much care is necessary.
§ Mr. RobertsIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.