§ Major NEWMANasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that meetings have recently been held by aliens of Russian birth at which resolutions acclaiming the recent establishment of a republic in Russia, while protesting against any infringement of their right of asylum in this country and of freedom from military service, were passed; and will our 2046W Government convey to the Republic of Russia a request that she should immediately claim for service those of her subjects who have hitherto deemed themselves to be political refugees; (2) whether he is aware that numbers of Russian subjects have become resident in this country through an alleged desire to escape military service and the rigours of autocratic government; and has he any information as to the numbers of these men who, now that a system of republican government has been established in Russia, have taken advantage of the special facilities offered them to enrol and fight for their country; and (3) whether he is aware of the resentment felt in many parts of the Metropolis at the continued inability of the Government to make liable for military service in one shape or another the 25,000 alien subjects of military age who are estimated to be resident in East London alone, and who are occupying the places and acquiring the businesses of British subjects called to the Colours; and has he any statement to make with regard to negotiations on the matter between the Government and the Russian Republic?
Mr. BONAR'LAWHis Majesty's Government are fully aware of all the various aspects of this matter, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that all possible steps are being taken to reach an agreement with the Russian Government as to the best use to be made in the interests of the Alliance of Russian subjects of military age in this country.