§ 48. Mr. Prittasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that numbers of men of Austrian nationality who, as refugees from Nazi oppression joined the British Army and Navy either in this country or in the Middle East during the war and after service throughout the war have now been demobilised in the Middle East, are not allowed to return to Austria; and what steps he will take to enable them to return to their own country.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)No, Sir. In the case of Austrian nationals who enlisted in the United Kingdom Forces in this country or into British units abroad, repatriation is being undertaken by the War Office if they came to the United Kingdom to enlist after 1st September, 1938. Other Austrian nationals, who enlisted in local forces in Palestine, West Africa or elsewhere are demobilised in the country of enlistment, and in such cases the Austrian Government are ready to deal with applications to return to Austria.
§ Mr. PrittIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the practical result of this is that Austria is almost the only European nation whose nationals are not, in fact, going back to their country, and that if these people had not enlisted at all they would have been sent back to Austria long ago?
§ Mr. HyndI do not think the hon. and learned Member heard the reply, which is that there is no bar to these Austrians returning to their country, and that there are two categories, and that in the second category are those who enlisted abroad, many of whom are not necessarily desirous of going back to Austria.
§ Mr. PrittI heard the answer the first time, but I am asking whether it is not actually the result that these people cannot, in fact, get back, and that there are large numbers of them in Palestine, which is not very comfortable for them? Will he not inquire into it, and see what is the obstacle preventing them getting back?
§ Mr. HyndNo, Sir, I am not aware that there are large numbers in Palestine. I think there are 800. There are arrangements between the Austrian authorities and U.N.R.R.A., who are assisting in their repatriation. It is not the case that a large number of Austrians are being refused permission to enter into their own country.
§ Mr. PrittIs the Minister aware that U.N.R.R.A. are refusing to assist them because they are not displaced persons?
§ Mr. HyndI am aware we are in discussion with U.N.R.R.A. as to the most expeditious manner of returning them to their own country.
§ Wing-Commander MillingtonWho will pay the return passage of these 800 men if they go back?
§ Mr. HyndIn the case of those who enlisted in this country or in the British Forces abroad, the War Office are taking responsibility for seeing that they are repatriated. In the case of those who enlisted in local forces abroad, many of whom, incidentally, were transferred on their own initiative to the Palestine force, and many of whom are desirous of settling down elsewhere than in Austria, arrangements are being worked out with U.N.R.R.A. as part of their scheme for repatriating displaced persons.