§ Mr. Wedgwoodasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many of the 1,200 survivors of the "Patria" have now been released from prison; how many of those released have joined the forces; and whether there is in Palestine any women's force corresponding to the Auxiliary Territorial Service, etc., which female prisoners of this sort would be allowed to join?
Mr. WhiteleyOf the 1,698 survivors of the "Patria," who have been in detention in Palestine, 1,043 have so far been released, and further releases are being made subject to the investigation of individualbona fides. All the male detainees who have been released have been given the opportunity to volunteer for enlistment with the Forces; 31 have joined the British, and 77 the Czech, Forces. There are in Palestine no women's forces corresponding to the Auxiliary Territorial Service.