§ 22. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will grant political asylum to United States forces deserters in Great Britain who have concientious objection to the war in Vietnam; and if he will make a statement about his decision in the case of Robert Cranshaw.
§ Mr. MaudlingA deserter from the Armed Forces of a N.A.T.O. country is subject to the provisions of the Visiting Forces Act, 1952 and, with the authority of a court of law where necessary, may be handed over to his national authorities. The Act makes no provision for exemption from this procedure. It has not fallen to me to take any decision about Mr. Cranshaw.
§ Mr. AllaunIs not this a departure from the British tradition of granting such asylum, which is provided to refugees from other countries? Will not the Home Secretary follow the example of Canada, which has announced that its Visiting Forces Act will apply only to Service men based in that country? These men have come from other countries, and not from Britain.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe law is quite clear. It was passed in 1952, based on an agreement made in the summer of 1951. I must follow the law.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesWill the Home Secretary answer the precise question? Does the law as drawn apply to men who have deserted elsewhere than in this country?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, Sir. It does.
§ 23. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many United States forces deserters in Great Britain have been arrested and handed over to the United States defence authorities since the beginning of the Vietnam war in 1965.
§ Mr. MaudlingThis information is available from police records only from January, 1968, since when there have been 10 cases.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Home Secretary categorically deny that a round-up by American authorities in this country has recently begun?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am not aware of that, but the United States Service police in the United Kingdom may, under the Act to which I have referred, arrest their own deserters.