HC Deb 19 November 1940 vol 365 c1834W
Mr. Purbrick

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that we are arranging the repatriation to unoccupied France from England of men of military age, and that the French Government refuse exit permits or any assistance to repatriate Englishmen of fighting age from unoccupied France, he will insist upon reciprocal action before allowing these Frenchmen to leave?

Mr. Butler

The repatriation to unoccupied France of personnel of the French army, naval and merchant service who are at present in this country is now proceeding. His Majesty's Government consider that they are in honour bound to facilitate the repatriation of these officers and men. But I presume my hon. Friend is referring primarily to civilian Frenchmen of military age who are still in this country. This question, together with that of the repatriation of civilian British subjects of military age now in unoccupied France, is still under consideration.