HC Deb 22 July 1952 vol 504 cc252-3
8. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War what is his policy in regard to the posting to Korea, Malaya or Western Germany, of avowed Communists who have registered as conscientious objectors on political grounds but have been refused exemption from National Service.

Mr. Head

There is no specific policy on this matter: each case is considered on its merits.

Mr. Driberg

Quite apart from the rights of the Army or of any individual in it, is it not evident that it would be absurd to post to Korea, for instance, a man who is legally entitled to believe that the other side in Korea is the right side?

Mr. Head

If I gave to this House an undertaking that I would post no Communists to Korea, it might result in a recruiting drive for the Communist Party.

Mr. P. Roberts

Could I ask my right hon. Friend whether this means that those people consider that they owe a greater allegiance to Russia than they do to this country?

Mr. Head

That is not within my province.