19. Mr. Amoryasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now given further consideration to the possible advantages of forming something in the nature of a foreign legion as part of the regular British Forces.
§ Mr. StracheyThis matter has been most carefully considered, but the position remains as stated in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) on 19th September, 1950.
Mr. AmoryIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many men who fought with us during the war who, for 222 one reason or another, find it difficult or impossible to join their own national forces and would be ready to give loyal and useful service as members of the armed Forces of this country?
§ Mr. StracheyWe debated this matter on a recent Private Member's Day. There is a great deal to be said on both sides. I cannot enter into a debate on the subject now.
§ Professor SavoryWould it not be possible to use some of the 90,000 Polish veterans, the finest soldiers in this world?
§ Mr. StracheyThe Royal Ulster Rifles might take exception to the hon. Gentleman's statement.
Colonel ClarkeWill the right hon. Gentleman consider what the Royal Air Force has done in this direction with the Assyrian levies in Iraq? Is there not some possibility that similar troops may be raised now?
§ Mr. StracheyI should not like to exclude the possibility of raising further forces from Colonies and dependent areas. In fact, I think I have indicated that there are real possibilities in that.