§ 5.20 p.m.
§ LORD DAVIESMy Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.
§ [The Question was as follows;
§ To ask His Majesty's Government if they can state the reasons for neglecting to form an International Force or 269 Foreign Legion, thus providing an opportunity to friendly aliens and refugees to volunteer for active service and whether, in view of the subsequent treatment meted out by the War Office to these persons, it is now proposed to make amends by organising such a force in which they can voluntarily enlist their services against the common enemy.]
§ LORD CROFTMy Lords, His Majesty's Government are now in the course of negotiations with the Polish, Czech, Norwegian, Dutch and Belgian Governments regarding the organisation of the National Forces of these countries now in the United Kingdom. Nationals of these countries are not being accepted for service in the British Army, since they can now serve in the Forces of their own country. Germans, Austrians, and Italians who are considered suitable may be accepted for enlistment into the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps. Nationals of neutral States are eligible for enlistment into any corps of the British Army, subject to their suitability. It is not intended to form any separate Foreign Legion as part of the British Army.