HC Deb 23 November 1939 vol 353 c1428W
Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Polish nationals in this country who left their native land during childaood, who know nothing of that country nor understand the Polish language, are informed by his Department that they must secure the consent of the Polish authorities before they can enlist in His Majesty's Forces; and whether he will take steps to allow these men to join either of the Forces in accordance with the principle adopted during 1914–18 in relation to Russian nationals then in this country?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

As was stated by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the answer given to the hon. Member on 8th November last, Polish nationals are liable, under Polish law, to the withdrawal of consular protection, and possibly also of Polish citizenship, if it is considered that they have attempted to evade conscription. It is, therefore, in the interests of Polish nationals to refer to the Polish Consular Authorities before applying to enlist in His Majesty's Forces.