§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, providing they can have confidence in policy, there are thousands of people of many nationalities in all parts of the world, many in Central Europe in particular, who desire to be given an opportunity of enrolling in an anti-aggression British defence force as soon as possible and others who would desire to join such a force as soon as required; has he given consideration to this desire and is it intended to take any action?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI fully recognise the desire so widely felt to serve the causes with which we are identified. In present circumstances, however, the introduction of foreign elements into our military forces would involve too great a strain upon capacities which will be fully employed in coping with the training of Reservists, Territorials and militiamen. It has, therefore, been regretfully decided that the proposal to utilise the services of foreign nationals in the British Army must remain in abeyance.