§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Corporal D. Scard, No. 78384, 29th City of London Regiment, joined up in 1915, has been in Russia, and came home for leave; that the soldier was ordered to return to Leith on 1st July, 1919, for embarkation to Russia, though never having volunteered; will he give instructions at once for this man's release; if it is necessary for such men to be demobilised to go back to their units in such cases as these; if so, will he take steps to allow Russian troops to be demobilised here when on leave; and whether there is any hope, as promised, that only volunteers would be sent to Russia?
Captain GUESTInquiries are being made into this case, and in the meantime2030W this non-commissioned officer will not be sent overseas. Soldiers eligible for demobilisation and who do not volunteer to return to North Russia whilst on leave from that theatre will not be sent to Russia, and will be demobilised in their turn. As regards the last part of the question, as I have previously stated, no men who are not volunteers will be included in drafts for North Russia, but men on leave who are not eligible for demobilisation will, for the present, be required to return to that theatre at the expiration of their leave.